Nikita Iosifov (foto: Uradni facebook profil kluba)
Nikita Iosifov is enjoying a breakthrough season at Celje under Albert Riera, with six goals and seven assists sparking talk of a Russia call-up.
At just 22, Nikita Iosifov was once labelled a future star of Russian football, but after struggling in Spain his career looked to be stalling. Now, thanks to Albert Riera’s guidance at Celje, he has become one of the most exciting wingers in the Slovenian Prva Liga Telemach — and is even back on the radar of Russia’s national team.
From Villarreal struggles to Celje breakthrough
Iosifov, a former Lokomotiv Moscow prospect, moved to Villarreal as a teenager in search of development. Despite the club’s reputation for nurturing young players, he found it difficult to adapt to the tactical demands of Spanish football.
“In his first season, he had to learn tactical organisation, something he had never seriously discussed before. He wanted to do everything too quickly. Football is a process, and he finally understood that,” Riera explained to Russian outlet Championat.
Iosifov’s persistence is now paying off. In 19 appearances this season across competitions, he has scored six goals and provided seven assists. His performance against AEK was described as the perfect example of his transformation into a decisive player.
On Russia’s radar again
Russia coach Valeri Karpin admitted he has been monitoring Iosifov: “We know him well. When he was 18, I wanted to bring him to Rostov. His problem is the competition we have in his position — with players like Golovin, Miranchuk, Glushenkov or Oblyakov.”
Due to Russia’s international suspension, Karpin can only test players in friendlies, but Iosifov’s name is already being seriously considered.
Riera’s role in Iosifov’s rise
Iosifov’s revival has been hailed as one of Riera’s success stories. The Spanish coach, who previously guided Olimpija Ljubljana to a title, has again demonstrated his ability to maximise player potential.
Even Unai Emery, who once included Iosifov in Villarreal’s first-team training, predicted a bright future: “He enjoys his work, trains with a smile, and understands he has a great opportunity to develop. We believed in him at Villarreal, and I think he will become an important player.”
Though Emery’s forecast did not materialise in Spain, the detour through Slovenia has put Iosifov back in the spotlight — and possibly on course for an international debut.
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Written by Klemen Kos , football journalist with 20 years of experience.
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