Former CSKA head coach Alexei Berezutsky shared insights about Igor Akinfeev’s choice of successor, saying that Vladislav Torop was selected in part because of the goalkeeper’s own influence. The lines attributed to Berezutsky in Sports Express emphasize that Akinfeev didn’t simply depart and hand the baton to a random choice; he actively indicated the person he believed should carry the responsibilities forward. According to Berezutsky, Akinfeev effectively pointed toward Torop, signaling not just approval but a readiness to mentor and collaborate with him in the transition. Berezutsky notes that Akinfeev could dispute this characterization, yet his supporters would affirm that Torop emerged as the intended successor, with that intention repeated over time and in different contexts. This perspective centers on Akinfeev as a guiding force in shaping the team’s future leadership, a move that would endure beyond a single season and into the broader arc of the club’s development. He remains, in this account, more than a former player; he acts as a continuous influence on who steps into the goalkeeper’s role and how that transition unfolds on and off the pitch. Source: Sports Express
Akinfeev is a CSKA product, having dedicated a substantial portion of his career to the red-and-blue color scheme. Across more than 750 official appearances, he helped CSKA to national glory, including six Russian league titles and seven national cups. He also etched a notable achievement in European competition, as the club lifted the UEFA Cup in the 2004/05 season. The goalkeeper reached a significant milestone when 2023 marked twenty years since his debut in top-tier football, a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. The narrative around Akinfeev’s career is not simply about statistics; it reflects a dynasty of trust between a player and a club that has remained relevant through changing coaches and generations of teammates. Source: Sports Express
Torop has appeared in three Russian Premier League matches this season, and his involvement extends to six appearances in Russia Cup fixtures. Each appearance is viewed within the broader context of a young player stepping into a demanding environment, where opportunities in league play often come through competition, injuries, or tactical shifts. His early exposure in the top flight mirrors a growing confidence within the squad that a new generation of custodians is being cultivated to sustain the club’s standards. With Akinfeev’s long tenure and Torop’s gradual integration, observers see a deliberate plan to ensure continuity and to balance experience with fresh energy in the goalkeeper role. Source: Sports Express
The mention of Torop’s emergence also intersects with larger conversations about player value in the Russian Premier League. In recent seasons, discussions have highlighted how young talents can accelerate their development when paired with veteran leadership, strategic mentorship, and structured progression paths. For CSKA, this combination may be essential as the team navigates a competitive landscape, markets, and the evolving demands of modern football. The progression of Torop, backed by the institution’s history and the club’s ambitions, represents a case study in how a club manages succession while maintaining performance standards and team cohesion. Source: Sports Express