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Interviewing Tajikistan’s Best Footballer: Parviz Umarbaev
The Central Asian country of Tajikistan isn’t often revered for the footballers it produces, or for football in general, but 23-year-old Parvizdzhon Umarbaev is doing his bit to turn this concep-tion around. We caught up with the midfielder through his agents at GlobalGroup11, an agency specialising in U23 players, and it turned out to be a fruitful conversation.
This article contains the interview, as well as a short introduction to Umarbaev.
Born in Khujand, a major city in Tajikistan, Parviz Umarbaev moved to the Rubin Kazan acad-emy at the young age of 13. At the time, Rubin were enjoying a highly successful period, some-thing which hasn’t exactly been replicated since. After four years at the academy, Umarbaev was sent on loan to Neftekhimik and got numerous first team opportunities at the lower divi-sion club.
Following the loan move, the Tajik spent his next two seasons at Khimik and Istiqlol, garnering a fair bit of attraction. In July 2016, Umarbaev earned his big break, a move to Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria. The team, regulars in the Bulgarian first division, provided Umarbaev the opportunity to play at a high level, something he wasn’t yet accustomed to.
Since then, Umarbaev has established himself at Plovdiv and has become pivotal for the Tajik national team, scoring six goals from sixteen goals along with being the talisman. At his club, Umarbaev is a regular starter and has attracted interest from various large clubs across Eastern Europe.
Talking about his game, Parviz is naturally a creative midfielder, but is capable as a controller and as a defensive midfielder. Due to his height being only 5.5 feet, Umarbaev is often dwarfed in aerial battles, but makes up for it using his on-the-ball skills. Interestingly enough, at Plovdiv, Umarbaev has either started as a holding midfielder, or in the number 10 role. Being a proper central midfielder naturally, these position changes have prompted him to adapt to a wider number of roles and situations, increasing his value.
Umarbaev also holds a Russian passport, and has represented the country at various youth levels. This means that although they are low, chances of him potentially representing the Sbornaya in the future do exist.
This interview consists of a bunch of assorted questions that provide a good insight into the Tajik’s life and career. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy our interview of Tajikistan’s best player
Q: You are a native of Tajikistan, and you have played football in Russia since a young age, so you would know about both the nations. Can you tell us some differences you find in them?
A: There are lots of differences: Mentality, way of life, cultural differences, language etc.
Q: You have spent a large part of your career so far in Russia. Do you wish to potentially go back to the country and play for one of the Premier League clubs?
A: I am working hard to attract attention of a Russian Premier League club so that I can go there in the future
Q: When did you fall in love with football, and who were your heroes growing up?
A: My father used to be a football player and since my early childhood I have become infatuated with football. I did not have any one idol, but I have always liked the game of the Brazil national team.
Q: UEFA Champions League or World Cup. Which one would you rather win and why?
A: Both tournaments are among the highest achievements for any football player, but at the moment the Champions League seems to me a little bit more realistic, although I realize that winning that would also be an extremely difficult and long journey.
Q: What do you think Tajik football needs to compete at a level equal to the best Asian countries?
A: First of all, Tajik football should become more open for other countries. It is necessary to increase the competition within the league and, of course, to make the clubs richer. I see that the Football Federation of Tajikistan does a lot for the development of football in the country and I hope it will bear fruit.
Q: What are your short and long term aspirations as a footballer?
A: In the near future, I would like to become one of the best players in the Bulgarian championship, and then move to some top European league, and also get to a major international tournament with my National team.
Q: How have you found Bulgarian football as compared to Russian or even Tajik football?
A: Football in Bulgaria is stronger than in Tajikistan, but of course the Russian league is bet-ter.
Q: Now for something on a lighter note, who is your best mate in the Tajik national team, and at Lokomotiv?
A: I try to maintain friendly relations with all players in the team, but of course, there are some best friends in both Lokomotiv and the national team. It is difficult to single out one person.
Q: Do you know much about Western culture? What are your favourite movies, songs and TV shows (Western or other, it doesn’t matter)?
A: I respect every culture. I prefer pop music and comedy TV shows. I can single out two movies, Hachi: A Dog's Tale and the Turkish movie Evim Sensin.
Q: What message do you have for young children aspiring to be a footballer back in Tajikistan and Central Asia?
A: Work hard on training, devote yourself to your favorite occupation and believe in yourself!
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