Andrei Arshavin weighs in on Denis Glushakov and Rostov’s midfield plans
Former footballer Andrei Arshavin, who once defended the colors of Zenit St. Petersburg and the Russian national team, shared his assessment of whether 37-year-old Denis Glushakov would sign with Rostov. He suggested that the club’s needs and the athlete’s current form might not align, and he explained the broader factors shaping the decision. The remarks were reported by Match TV and were picked up by fans across the league.
Arshavin cautioned that even a player with high professionalism, evident talent, and effective performance might still face significant hurdles, particularly when parts of a player’s game no longer feel as sharp as they once did. He recalled Glushakov’s past strengths in the martial edge of competition, acknowledging that those explosive attributes once carried him forward but may have diminished with time. He did not rule out a future return for Glushakov, but he expressed doubt that Rostov currently requires a roster option that might be perceived as a risk or an overextension. The veteran’s assessment underscored a pragmatic approach to roster management and the realities of aging at the top level, as reported by Match TV.
On January 30, Glushakov ended his contract with Spartak Kostroma by mutual consent, a move that opened the door to international opportunities. He subsequently joined Rostov on their winter training camp in the United Arab Emirates, a period used by many clubs to assess potential signings and to integrate players into team structures. The exchange of conversations around his availability reflected Rostov’s broader strategy of evaluating experienced midfield options during a busy mid-season window.
Rostov has completed 18 rounds of the Russian Premier League with a tally of 21 points, placing the team in mid-table contention as the season progresses. The result mirrors a campaign that has been marked by a mix of solid performances and moments of inconsistency, leaving the club eager to strengthen if possible ahead of the spring phase. The league program for February features Russian Cup fixtures, while March will bring the resumption of league action. Valery Karpin’s squad is slated to reopen the domestic championship with a visit to Krylya Sovetov from Samara, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM Moscow time on the first of the month, a fixture that will serve as a barometer for Rostov’s shaping identity in the mid-season stretch.
Earlier remarks from Rostov’s circle had highlighted Glushakov’s own motivation to pursue professional football at this stage of his career, framing the broader discussion about where a player of his experience could fit as the game continues to evolve. The public commentary around his intentions forms part of the ongoing narrative about veteran players seeking opportunities amid the evolving dynamics of Russian football, and it illustrates how managers weigh both talent and long-term suitability when building a competitive squad.