Lazareva or Kadochkina can play as substitute to Akimova for the opposite position. I wonder who will play as the Opposite during the U18 World Championship this September? During the U17 Euro Championship, the one who played as Opposite was a short and a non-dominant one. Protopopova (195 cm) from Uralochka was injured that time. I wonder if she will play now this September.
Will Arina still play for U18 World Champs?
I think Russian future is really good. You have not only Arina, but Vita Akimova, Lazarenko, Kozbar, Kadochkina, etc. I think the main problem of the Russian NT is the transition form the youth/junior levels to the main team. They need a coach that can capitalize the full potential of all these players...
Akimova should start playing for the Senior National Team this European Championship, with Lazareva as the back up opposite. Akimova can ably replace Goncharova with her height and angles of her attacks. She just needs experience to prepare for the WCH 2022 and Paris Olympics. Goncharova should retire or take a break. Arina and Voronkova, with Parubets and Kadochkina/Smirnova should play as the outside hitters. For the middle hitters, Fetisova and Zaryazkho should still play with Lazarenko.
