Artem Dziuba, the striker from Lokomotiv Moscow, reflected on his reaction after learning he would not be selected for Russia’s March training camp or the subsequent friendlies against Iran and Iraq. The decision marked a shift in a long career that had kept him at the heart of Russia’s attack plans for years.
The Russia national team coach, Valery Karpin, confirmed that the 34-year-old forward would not be part of the squad for the upcoming period. The move underscored a broader reshaping of the forward line as the team prepared for a new phase, seeking a balance of experience and youth in attack.
Dziuba described his response as calm, noting that some observers and analysts expressed surprise at the omission. He acknowledged the media chatter around the choice, including comments about players in their thirties and beyond being evaluated for a shorter window of opportunity. Still, he made it clear that the development did not offend him, emphasizing a pragmatic view of the situation and the importance of focusing on club responsibilities and personal performance. The remarks were shared through coverage on Match TV, highlighting the player’s measured stance in the wake of the national team decision.
In a broader roster update, Karpin complemented the scaling of the attack by naming five forwards for the expanded squad: Fedor Chalov from CSKA, Alexander Sobolev from Spartak, Vladimir Pisarsky from Krylya Sovetov, Konstantin Tyukavin from Dynamo, and Nikolai Komlichenko from Rostov. The choices signal a clear intention to refresh the pool of options, offering a mix of established talent and emerging players who can contribute in different tactical setups and match contexts.
Dziuba’s most recent appearance for the Russian national team came at the European Championship in June 2021. Notably, he stands among the nation’s all-time leading scorers alongside Alexander Kerzhakov, each tallying a significant goal total that underscores his lasting impact on Russia’s attacking heritage. This milestone adds depth to the ongoing discussion about how the national team should build its forward line as new coaches and tactical frameworks come into play.
Beyond these developments, Dziuba has remained active in the domestic league, where his performances can influence national team considerations in the future. His comments reflect a commitment to maintaining high standards at the club level, and his experiences offer a benchmark for younger forwards as Russia navigates a transitional period in international competition. In the wake of Akhmat Grozny’s away win in the Russian Premier League, Dziuba’s perspective on the league season and its implications for the national team adds context to how his form is perceived by fans and analysts alike.