Alexander Mirzoyan assesses Artem Dziuba’s form after limited pre-season activity
Alexander Mirzoyan, a member of the Russia national team committee within the Russian Football Union, suggests that Artem Dziuba’s goals for Lokomotiv in the Russian Premier League have not yet revealed the striker’s peak potential. Dziuba, who spent a significant stretch without a club during the early preparation phase, has managed to net three times since returning to action. That tally is promising, but it does not imply that the full picture has crystallized. Lokomotiv’s management, along with head coach Valery Karpin, is carefully observing how Dziuba adapts to continuous training and competitive match rhythm.
Mirzoyan notes that Karpin understands Dziuba’s qualities intimately. If Dziuba maintains high physical readiness and sustained form, it is likely that the coach will consider including him again in future plans. The trajectory will depend on Dziuba’s ability to stay in shape and demonstrate consistency across fixtures. Bookmakers’ assessments have been cited in some circles, reflecting expectations around Dziuba’s role and potential return to national duty.
In preparation for the upcoming international window, the Russian national team is scheduled to assemble in Moscow on March 19 for a friendly clash with Iran. This match will serve as a benchmark for evaluating the team’s chemistry and strategic options ahead of more demanding fixtures later in the year. The coaching staff has already expanded the squad by adding five forwards to the roster: Fedor Chalov from CSKA, Alexander Sobolev from Spartak, Vladimir Pisarsky from Krylya Sovetov, Konstantin Tyukavin from Dynamo, and Nikolai Komlichenko from Rostov. The move aims to broaden options in attack and experiment with different combinations up front.
Dziuba last represented Russia at a major tournament during the European Championship held in June 2021. Since that tournament, his club form and national team prospects have been a topic of ongoing discussion among fans and pundits alike. The broader discussion around his career often centers on his role within Lokomotiv, his fitness levels, and how timely management decisions align with national-team needs. The feedback from former teammates, coaches, and analysts paints a picture of a striker who remains capable of influencing games when properly utilized and conditioned.
Commentary from insiders in the Lokomotiv camp and the national team setup has repeatedly emphasized the balance between club performance and national-team selection. The team’s leadership continues to weigh Dziuba’s current form against long-term plans, ensuring that any decisions regarding call-ups or tactical deployment reflect both immediate match needs and the broader objectives for Russia’s forward line. The ongoing conversations among experts reinforce the notion that a step-by-step approach, grounded in consistent training and competitive minutes, will be essential for Dziuba to re-enter the national picture at a high level.
Beyond individual performance, the discussions surrounding Dziuba touch on the evolving dynamics of Russia’s attacking options. The national team’s evolving roster illustrates a willingness to integrate a mix of seasoned forwards and younger talents, creating a competitive environment that rewards consistency, fitness, and smart movement off the ball. As the March friendly approaches, observers will be watching how the forwards interact with the rest of the squad, how the system leverages their strengths, and which players emerge as reliable options for future fixtures. In this context, Dziuba’s continued development and readiness are considered key components of a broader strategy aimed at maintaining a dynamic and versatile attack for Russia on the international stage.