Young Sniper: David Batoyan Off to a Brilliant Start in YFL-1 Season

17-year-old forward of FC Rostov Academy and Armenia U19 national team, David Batoyan, is having one of the brightest starts to the YFL-1 (U18) season. A native of Sochi, he has quickly become one of the league’s main discoveries after just 11 rounds, currently ranking second among top scorers with an impressive tally of 9 goals and 3 assists in 9 matches.

Batoyan confidently takes on the role of leader in Rostov’s attack, often deciding the outcome of matches. His standout performances include:

• • A brace and two assists against Spartak — a true showcase match for the young forward against one of Russia's most decorated academies;

• • A goal and an assist against Zenit, proving his consistency in big games;

• • Two braces — against Ural and Rodina — showing not only clinical finishing but excellent positioning.

Batoyan plays as a left winger, is equally proficient with both feet, and also strong in the air. Three of his nine goals were headers — two after corners and one from a cross.

In just his first 9 matches, he has contributed to 12 of his team’s goals, averaging more than one goal involvement per game. One of his assists — a precise delivery from a free-kick — wasn’t included in the highlight reel but also highlights his set-piece ability.

A video with 9 goals and 2 assists is available via the link.

Such productivity hasn’t gone unnoticed: David is a regular call-up to Armenia’s U19 squad, where he continues to gain international experience.

Speed, goal instinct, and composure — these are the qualities that make Batoyan one of the most exciting young forwards in Russian youth football. If he keeps this up, his name will soon be heard beyond youth tournaments.