Khokhlov, the Russian who stopped time

La Real rubbed her hands with Dimitri Khokhlov (Krasnodar, 45 years old) between the end of 1999 and the summer of 2003. Two decades ago the gifted Russian delighted Anoeta with his supernatural gift for stopping time on a pitch. An astonishing ability to master the space-time secrets of soccer that left his mark. When the refusal to extend the contract that joined the club was communicated to him, uneasiness took over the international, “sad” for not continuing, being then the foreigner who had been with the Real the longest.

He never played in Europe with Real Khokhlov, whose interest will arouse this afternoon’s game. La Real signed the Russian from PSV Eindhoven in December 1999. A long-standing agreement that strengthens the distant ties between Anoeta and Philips Stadion.

Relegated to the background in the PSV of Van Bommel, Bruggink, Vogel O Van Nistelrooy with whom he was proclaimed champion of the Eredivisie, Khokhlov in the winter market it reinforced a Real struggling to save the category. Three and a half years later he reached the top in Anoeta with the league runner-up. By then, his school football was divided by flashes. La Real did not need a guide in the midfielder because their two forwards were Nihat and Kovacevic.

A playmaker of the time

The exquisite cut of Khokhlov made him one of the most improper signings he will have approved Javier Clemente throughout his career. It was the sui generis bet of one of the greatest defenders of destructive football. The ‘Rubio de Barakaldo’ needed a midfielder to guide Real between the lines and in Khokhlov He found an accomplished specialist in the field. A professor of the break to drive, cut, break the defender, pass and define.

Some sector of Anoeta had to contain his heartbeat when the ball passed through the Russian. Football froze in their boots, an art that only those who treasure the quality to bring the games to their field control. Like that masterpiece against Real Madrid in 2002, in which he sat down the entire defense to wrap the ball next to the strain. “It was the best goal of my life,” declared the czar of the time at Real, now retired.

The generation that coughed at Real Madrid for the 2003 title sped up to look for the goal and Khokhlovelegant and distinguished in an age that was passing, it was in danger of extinction. Yes Imanol He could choose, perhaps he would not line up this afternoon a fine stylist who won Anoeta with his category. Football is now another, as Real and PSV prove.