To call Valentin a "clean" defender would not be correct. He is always thinking and aiming on the attach, so, it would be more correct to call him attacking defender. Being very mobile and quick, he always manages to return in defense after brave "journeys" in the opponent's zone. This tough, quick and mobile rugball player doesn't know what it means to be tired. You can watch him in different places on the carpet within several seconds. He becomes "open" for the partners, asks for the ball, very quickly makes his way to the opponent's basket or scores from middle range. Valentin is a very emotional player and sometimes far too strong emotions do the bad job to him during the shot, but nevertheless he clearly understands the importance of the discipline on the carpet. Novikov has shown himself from the best side during different important tournaments. In Czech republic, on the Czech professional Rugball League Cup Valentin didn't leave the field without scoring several points. He also demonstrated his best qualities in the games with other strong teams. Valentin Novikov is obviously a gifted and brave player. Despite his injury he can perform as good as all his teammates and play as if he is totally healthy, because he is a real soldier on the field. Such players are of immense importance for "The Neva Atlants", because by means of insistence and passion he "charges" the rest of the team, for whom the final purpose is victory.