Andrei Kanchelskis

A devastating right winger, Andrei Kanchelskis brought Soviet athletic discipline into English football with explosive results. Fast, direct and brutally vertical, he was at his best when isolated against a full-back, driving into space, crossing early or cutting inside to finish with surprising power. At Manchester United, he became one of Alex Ferguson’s great early weapons, adding width, speed and goals to a side learning how to dominate the Premier League. His Everton spell confirmed the quality was not system-dependent, with his pace and end product making him one of the most dangerous wide players in England. He was not a delicate playmaker or a subtle rhythm-builder, but a pure attacking winger with aggression, acceleration and real scoring threat. A flank destroyer, basically, the kind of player full-backs probably saw again in their sleep.