Former goalkeeper of the Russian national team and Lokomotiv, Ruslan Nigmatullin, believes that Zheleznodorozhniki striker Artem Dzyuba could stretch his football career. Nigmatullin notes that aging brings changes to a player’s physical capacity, yet he sees a path for Dzyuba to stay relevant and influential on both the pitch and in the locker room. In Nigmatullin’s view, a veteran can become a true authority within the squad, guiding younger teammates and elevating the team’s overall performance. The risk, he cautions, is slipping into a toxic dynamic if leadership is not embraced, a scenario he associates with certain past experiences at other clubs. He hopes Lokomotiv will be different, and he stresses that any potential decline should be delayed as long as possible so Dzyuba can extend his playing years and contribute meaningfully to the club’s ambitions. This assessment is shared by observers who see the value of veteran leadership in a squad fighting for consistency and upward momentum. [Source: Russian sports press attribution]
Lokomotiv and Spartak Moscow have shared the spotlight in recent times, each accumulating 21 points and occupying joint sixth place after fourteen rounds in the Russian Premier League. In the most recent tally, the clubs drew 1-1, with Dzyuba finding the back of the net in the match, underscoring his ongoing contribution even as the season unfolds. The result highlighted Dzyuba’s role not just as a scorer but as a catalyst for team dynamics during tight fixtures. [Source: Russian sports press attribution]
In the current season, Dzyuba has appeared in twelve league matches, plus four National Cup fixtures, recording four goals and two assists. That level of involvement demonstrates his continued fitness and importance to the squad. Looking back to the previous term, the striker shared the club’s top-scorer honor with Izidor and Miranchuk, despite only having played a portion of the campaign. Such a pattern illustrates Dzyuba’s enduring goal threat and his ability to influence outcomes even when not every match is played. [Source: Russian sports press attribution]
Historically, Dzyuba has been recognized as one of Russia’s most dangerous forwards, a label earned through consistent goal production and leadership on the field. While the dynamic of any team can change with new tactical setups and evolving squads, the belief remains that a seasoned forward like Dzyuba can adapt, mentor younger players, and help steer the club through the demands of a long season. The considerations around his longevity are tied to how well he maintains physical conditioning, manages recovery, and leverages experience to anticipate play. For Lokomotiv, the ongoing evaluation centers on balancing minutes, preserving form, and leveraging Dzyuba’s influence in crucial moments, both in attack and within the squad’s locker-room culture. [Source: Russian sports press attribution]