Former Spartak Moscow alumnus Andrey Tikhonov shared his take on Lokomotiv Moscow forward Artem Dzyuba ahead of the 19th round clash with Akhmat Grozny in the Russian Premier League. The focal point of discussion centered on how Dzyuba would influence the makeup and mood of Lokomotiv as they approached important league stretch play. In the previous round, Dzyuba delivered a decisive hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Rostov, underscoring his continued ability to change a game’s trajectory when his team needs a spark. The forward’s form has become a catalyst for Lokomotiv as they push into the second half of the season, providing both goal-scoring prowess and a leadership presence on and off the pitch. Commentators noted that Dzyuba’s impact goes beyond the scoreboard; his presence elevates the entire squad, acts as a source of motivation for teammates, and creates space and options for others through gravity and fear of the opponent’s defense. The comparison to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s influence at Milan, cited by Tikhonov, highlights a familiar dynamic: even without scoring every match, a player like Dzyuba can lift collective performance and lift morale, making the inverse true when the goals do come.
The Lokomotiv versus Akhmat encounter was scheduled for March 11 in Grozny, with kickoff set for 16:30 Moscow time. This match represented a critical test for Lokomotiv as they attempt to consolidate momentum accumulated in recent weeks, where tactical cohesion and confidence have grown significantly. As the team navigates the league’s demanding schedule, coaches and analysts are watching how Dzyuba’s experience shapes decisions in attack and how the rest of the squad adapts to his style of play, including his hold-up play, link-up with midfield runners, and willingness to press opponents higher up the pitch when the opportunity arises. The broader discussion around Lokomotiv’s forward line also touched on how the club leverages veteran leadership within a squad that blends experienced performers with younger talent, aiming to maximize consistency during the congested portion of the season.
Beyond domestic competition, there was recent chatter about Zlatan Ibrahimovic returning to full training with AC Milan’s group for the first time in eight months. The 41-year-old striker has been recovering from a left knee operation since May 2022, and his fitness has implications for Milan’s squad depth and forward options. Ibrahimovic’s situation has been watched closely by fans and pundits alike, given his history of influence and the potential for him to contribute something unique if he regains sharpness and form. In July, Ibrahimovic extended his contract with Milan through the end of the 2022/23 season, a move that reflected the club’s commitment to his leadership and experience even as he recovers from surgery. These developments illustrate how veteran forwards can impact team dynamics, morale, and tactical planning, whether they are on the field or preparing for a return.
There was also commentary from former Lokomotiv player Dmitry Sychev regarding Artem Dzyuba and national team selections. Sychev expressed confidence that Valery Karpin, head coach of the Russian national team, would refrain from including Dzyuba in future national team call-ups. Such opinions underscore the ongoing debate about where a player like Dzyuba fits within national plans, especially when form at club level may or may not align with national team needs. The discussion around national team selection typically weighs a player’s current contributions, consistency, and how club form translates to international duties, alongside considerations of team strategy and competitive fit. As the season progresses, stakeholders continue to weigh domestic performance against international ambitions, with coaches and players balancing club responsibilities and national team expectations.
In sum, the season’s narrative around Artem Dzyuba at Lokomotiv Moscow centers on two themes: his ability to lift the team through competitive performances and his influence as a senior figure who can galvanize teammates. The ongoing evaluation of his role, alongside the tactical approach of Lokomotiv under its coaching staff, shapes both present results and future prospects in a league where every match carries significant weight. The broader context of veteran leadership, squad depth, and the interplay between club form and national team considerations all feed into the evolving story of Lokomotiv’s campaign in the Russian Premier League.