Grebennikov, Urnaut, Clevenot & Kovačević in unusual roles on the court

Unpredictability is the lifeblood of the sport, this is its charm, with no doubt. But obviously, these are not easy times for the teams, which face difficult moments having sometimes dreadfully outnumbered squads due to all kinds of health problems. Coaches are often forced to show their capabilities to find – sometimes very creative – solutions, once players - even stronger - have to prove their versatility on the court. This week delivered many surprises, however Volleyball fans had an opportunity to see several star players in new roles on the court. Jenia Grebennikov, Tine Urnaut, Trevor Clevenot and Uroš Kovačević stunned the Volleyball world again, but this time playing in completely different - from the usual - positions.

Taking a look on the court shortly before the CEV Champions League Volley 2022 – Men between Zenit Saint Petersburg and Vojvodina NS Seme Novi Sad, someone could wonder if Jenia Grebennikov and Tine Urnaut wore the right jerseys. As unexpectedly, it was a Slovenian outside hitter wearing libero’s outfit, once Grebennikov was warming up spiking and serving. Coach Tuomas Sammelvuo didn’t have at his disposal Egor Kliuka due to health problems, once Tine Urnaut still struggled with minor injury. “We had to switch positions due to my foot injury that prevents me from jumping, but I should be back to normal in a week or two. I'm looking forward for it”, explained Slovenian outside hitter who performed as libero on Tuesday. Grebennikov, arguably the best libero in the world, bowled over in the role of outside hitter – performing in attack, block and serve, what he doesn’t do regularly in the match time. Although, his team suffered unforeseen defeat, the French Olympic champion scored three points with his winning spikes, recording 33% of success in attack and 62% of positive receptions.

The Polish reigning champion Jastrzębski Węgiel from the beginning of the season has been plagued by injuries. However, this week they were not missing outside hitters - like Zenit Saint Petersburg, but middle blockers. Coach Andrea Gardini had only one middle ready to play ahead of their encounter against Knack Roeselare, so he had to quickly find a replacement. His choice fell on Trevor Clevenot! The French 1.99m-tall outside hitter had a few episodes performing in the role of middle blocker before, and again he completed his mission at his finest level. The Olympic champion contributed with seven points, including three aces and four kills (50% efficiency in attack) helping Jastrzębski Węgiel to become the first team to qualify for #CLVolleyM quarterfinals in this year’s edition.

However, the biggest sensation was witnessed in the Polish PlusLiga on Thursday – currently 3^rd in the standings Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie earned a five-set victory over Cuprum Lubin with Uroš Kovačević in charge of playmaking. Both Aluron's setters Miguel Tavares and Maximiliano Cavanna have been sidelined due to injuries and their rivals didn't agree to postpone the game. Coach Igor Kolaković had a tough nut to crack, but in his squad, he has a trusted man for whom nothing is impossible. The Most Valuable Player of EuroVolley 2019 once again proved that he is an extremely talented versatility player. Kovačević successfully carried out his mission and wowed the crowd with his setting skills, reaching 45% of team attack. The way the Serbian star stepped in was recognized with a well-deserved title of MVP of the match. As you would expect, he also couldn't resist temptation to perform several attacks by himself - in total he tallied eight points, including six kills and two stuffs.

Aluron’s next game is scheduled on Wednesday, in the Polish Cup quarterfinals, they will face Asseco Resovia Rzeszów. It’s still uncertain who will be a setter, but in the club’s interview Uroš Kovačević admitted that he enjoyed it so much that he might even consider playing in this position even in the national team – but after turning 35!