In focus: Aleksandar Nikolov
The surname Nikolov has been loudly heard in world volleyball for several decades. The bronze medalist of the World and European Championships, the former captain of the Bulgarian national team, is now the president of the Levski club. And now Nikolov Jr. is entering the court. His name is Alexander, he is only 18 years old and he is an outside hitter. He will spend this season at Cucine Lube Civitanova wearing jersey number 11. What to expect from Balkan prodigy Aleksandar Nikolov at Cucine Lube?
The young Bulgarian came to Italy straight from Long beach State Univercity, where he finished the season with Big West Conference and NCAA silver medals. He also been awarded as the Player of the Year.
Aleksandar Nikolov“I went to college in the States and received offers from several important clubs. It was not an easy choice, it is a big step for my career and my life, but I wanted Lube! I expect many victories and great satisfaction, but also difficult moments. Bulgarian champions, starting with Sokolov, have told me good things about the club. My dream is to become world champion and playing with champions is fantastic, I will do my best and accept the advice of my teammates with open arms.”
lubevolley.it
It is noteworthy that he will be able to take advice from teammates without any language barrier. Due to the fact that Vladimir Nikolov spent many years in Serie A, Aleksandar speaks perfect Italian. This should also facilitate communication between him and coach Gianlorenzo Blengini.
“Alex, in terms of preparation and what he has already shown in the national team, can be good at these levels and has the characteristics to set ambitious goals for himself! Must have completed a course of training, specifically from a technical standpoint as a receiver. Nikolov has everything to become a player capable of changing the world for the better, and he must strive for this with full dedication, attitude and passion!” said coach Blengini on the pre-season press-conference of the club (credit: www.lubevolley.it)
Naturally, this will be his first season in the Champions League and in general under the auspices of the CEV, but let's look at the statistics of the young Bulgarian in the national team. In the "group of death" with the USA and Poland, the Bulgarians could not win a single match. For Nikolov this is the first adult world championship. He averaged 12 points per game. In the match with Mexico, he helped his team with 21 realized attacks. In terms of performance, he is second only to the legend of the Bulgarian national team Tsvetan Sokolov - his average is 16 points.
Meanwhile, games have also already taken place in the Italian championship, where the Bulgarian prodigy entered the court in each of the matches and benefited his team. Of course, he still has to gain experience both in Serie A and in the Champions League, and his older comrades. Ivan Zaitsev, for example, will definitely help him in this. It will be interesting to see how Nikolov Jr. will lead the Italian giant, if not to the gold of the Champions League, then to the final battles.
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