Alexander Mostovoy, a former member of the Russian national team, spoke highly of Arsen Zakharyan, who contributed an assist for Real Sociedad in their convincing 3-0 victory over Villarreal in the current Spanish league. According to reports from Sports Express, Mostovoy emphasized Zakharyan’s skill and reliability, noting that what truly matters in football is activity and impact on the field. He pointed out that the game has evolved to value assists alongside goals, a shift from earlier eras when goal tallies often defined a player’s contribution. In that sense, Mostovoy reflected on his own days, highlighting how he frequently created chances and set up teammates, a mindset that now resonates with modern football analytics and fan expectations alike.
Real Sociedad’s win bumped them to a strong position, with the team climbing into fifth place in the league standings, amassing 29 points. That result showcased Zakharyan’s growing influence within the squad, where his vision and decision-making in the final third helped unlock opportunities and sustain pressure against a tough opponent. The midfielder has been steadily integrating into the club’s system, bringing a blend of technique, pace, and a keen sense of timing that complements the team’s broader tactical approach.
Zakharyan’s move to the Spanish club came after a high-profile transfer from Dynamo Moscow in August of this year, a deal that has seen him commit to Real Sociedad for five seasons. The long-term contract signals the club’s confidence in his development trajectory and his potential to become a mainstay in midfield, contributing both in build-up play and in breaking lines with intelligent runs. The adaptation process has involved learning a new style of football, adjusting to a different climate of competition, and building chemistry with teammates who operate in diverse roles across the pitch.
Looking ahead, Real Sociedad is set to host Sevilla Betis in the next round, with the match scheduled to kick off on December 17 at 18:15 Moscow time. For Zakharyan, this fixture represents another opportunity to showcase his growing influence within the squad, particularly in a home setting where crowd support and familiar surroundings can amplify his impact. The tactical setup may require him to combine with wingers and forwards, exploiting spaces behind the opposition’s midfield lines and delivering key passes that unlock compact defenses. Fans will be watching closely to see how his understanding with teammates evolves under the pressures of league play and European competition later in the season.
A former Espanyol selector commented on the broader question of which teams Russia could realistically field in La Liga, reflecting on the talent pipeline and the potential for more Russian players to find opportunities in top-tier Spanish football. The dialogue underscores an ongoing interest in cross-league mobility and the ways in which young talents from Russia and other regions can adapt to one of the world’s most scrutinized football environments. The discussion highlights both the opportunities and the challenges that come with pursuing professional football at the highest level abroad, including language, culture, and the different tactical demands of a foreign league. Overall, Zakharyan’s journey with Real Sociedad serves as a case study in the modern pathway for emerging prospects seeking to establish themselves outside their domestic leagues, navigating competition, development plans, and the expectations that accompany a multi-year contract in a foreign league.