The Russian target-man is tasked with filling both Dimitar Berbatov AND Robbie Keane's boots at White Hart Lane - no pressure then...
Born in Krasnodar Krai, Western Russia, Pavlyuchenko started his career with Russian Second Division side FC Dynamo Stavropol before moving to then top flight side Rotor Volgograd at the age of 19.
Although first team opportunities were limited at Rotor, this didn’t prevent Pavlyuchenko from impressing, with the forward scoring 14 goals in 65 matches in three years at the club.
By now he had attracted attention of several of Russia’s larger clubs, with Spartak Moscow making their move to bring the powerful front man to the capital ready for the 2003 season.
It was at the Luzhniki Stadium that Pavlyuchenko finally managed to find his feet as a goalscorer, netting 77 times in 147 matches for the ‘Krasno-Belye’ (Red-Whites) and earning a call up to the senior Russia side. His third and fourth Russia goals came against England in the vital Euro 2008 qualifier in Moscow.
Pavlyuchenko then scored three times in the finals, against Spain and Sweden in the group stages as well as in the quarterfinal win over Holland.
Strong, persistent and superb in the air, Pavlyuchenko moved to White Hart Lane for £14 million on September 1st 2008.