Lausanne, Switzerland, February 19, 2019 – The FIVB Volleyball Nations League reached a spectacular climax in its inaugural edition last year with a star-studded men's finals in Lille, France where Russia emerged as the tournament winners.
Some of the tournament's more seasoned competitors are likely to spice up another exciting season of the VNL men’s tournament in 2019, and here are five to look out for.
Maxim Mikhaylov led last year’s star-studded VNL Dream Team as Most Valuable Player after top scoring for his team in the final – adding the award to his long list of individual achievements. The Russian star’s clutch performances make him a valuable asset to the team. The 30-year-old athlete also plays for Zenit Kazan, currently ranked top of the Russian league.
Earvin Ngapeth, who plays with Mikhaylov at Zenit Kazan, has been the spark plug of the French team. He never runs out of creativity to bust out moves on offence or defence – most of it worthy of making the top plays in the tournament. Ngapeth’s colourful personality and talent does not only make him one of the most exciting players in the last decade but also a catalyst for success for his team.
Bartosz Kurek asserted his reign at the opposite hitter position by helping Poland claim a second consecutive World Championship title. Kurek also bagged the MVP plum after topping all scorers in the tournament. The 30-year-old is expected to bring his high-scoring game to help his squad perform in the VNL. He plays for Onico Warsaw under coach Stephane Antiga and the club is now in second place in Poland’s Plusliga.
With so many talents in the USA men’s team, Aaron Russell stands out in crucial matches with his clutch performances. At just 25 years of age, he has already picked up key awards including MVP honours at the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship when he led Trentino Volley to the title. He helped USA claim bronze at the 2018 VNL and the Men's World Championship.
Wallace de Souza led Brazil to a gold medal on home soil at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. His consistency in play helped his team conquer the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Grand Champions Cup title in 2017 and reach the Volleyball Nations League final in 2018. After setting the inaugural scoring record at the 2019 edition of the VNL, chances are the 31-year-old’s athleticism and firepower will again be valuable to his team’s campaign this year.
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