Arsen Zakharyan, the former Dynamo Moscow midfielder, has established himself as a regular starter in Champions League action with Real Sociedad, according to Fernando Meira, the former St. Petersburg player. Meira noted that Zakharyan delivered a solid, if unflashy, performance that did not stand out as exceptional but also did not disappoint.
On October 24, Zakharyan made his Champions League bow for Real Sociedad in a clash with Benfica from Portugal. He came off the bench in the 76th minute, replacing Ander Barrenechea, at a moment when the scoreline read 1-0 in favor of the Spanish side. The appearance marked a key milestone in his transition to top-tier European competition.
Real Sociedad announced Zakharyan’s transfer from Dynamo Moscow on August 19, with the agreement running through June 2029. He first featured for the Basque club in La Liga in the 75th minute of the match against Las Palmas on August 25. Across five La Liga appearances, Zakharyan did not find the back of the net, functioning as a substitute in four of those outings. The move represents a significant step in his career, highlighting the club’s confidence in his adaptability and potential to contribute in different tactical setups.
In public commentary, Vladimir Bystrov has weighed in, outlining what Zakharyan would need to do to cement a place with Real Sociedad and thrive at the club. His insights underscore the ongoing assessment by coaches and analysts as the player continues to acclimate to a new league and language of football, where timing, positioning, and squad integration are critical. (Sports Express)