The former head of Moscow Lokomotiv, Olga Smorodskaya, discussed Artem Dzyuba’s move to the red-green squad, noting how the transfer has begun to bear fruit. Dzyuba quickly found his footing at Lokomotiv, and Smorodskaya emphasized that maintaining a sharp competitive edge and strong motivation is crucial for the remaining fixtures.
On February 8, the forward inked a contract with Lokomotiv that runs through the end of the current season. In this Russian Premier League campaign, Dzyuba has appeared three times, contributing four goals and one assist, signaling a promising start with his new club.
Lokomotiv Moscow currently sits in the middle of the RPL table, holding 22 points and occupying eleventh place in the standings.
Gennady Orlov, a well-known former Russian football commentator, weighed in on the situation. He suggested that a move of Artem Dzyuba to Torpedo could alter the dynamics of the game in ways that might not favor Torpedo, hinting at how a high-caliber striker changes team strategies and opposition plans.
As the season progresses, there is growing interest in how Dzyuba’s experience and scoring instinct will influence Lokomotiv’s attacking tempo. His ability to deliver under pressure is expected to sharpen Lokomotiv’s frontline, especially in tight matches where a single moment can swing the result. The new signing has brought not only goals but also a mindset shaped by years at top-flight levels, which can help his teammates raise their level of intensity on both ends of the pitch.
Lokomotiv’s coaching staff appears to be leveraging Dzyuba’s leadership qualities, encouraging him to mentor younger forwards and to press with relentless energy when the ball is in midfield. This approach aims to translate his proven track record into immediate dividends for the club, particularly during the congested sequence of matches that defines the late stage of the season.
Supporters have taken note of Dzyuba’s movement off the ball, his hold-up play, and his willingness to drop deeper to link play. These attributes could unlock an otherwise stagnant attack and help the team create clearer shooting opportunities for teammates as well as himself. In a league known for its physicality and quick transitions, his presence might also compel opposing defenses to adjust their shape more frequently, potentially opening space for Lokomotiv’s wingers and midfield runners.
Despite the positive early indicators, analysts caution that the true test will come in the next block of fixtures, where consistency and adaptation to Lokomotiv’s tactical system will be essential. The club’s backline will need to be equally solid to ensure that Dzyuba’s runs and finishing prowess are supported by reliable service and disciplined defending to protect leads and hold against late pressure.
In recap, Artem Dzyuba’s move to Lokomotiv appears to be paying dividends already, with goals and assists signaling practical value on the field. The transition, aided by Smorodskaya’s remarks about maintaining competitive spirit, points to a season where experience, motivation, and collective effort could drive Lokomotiv toward meaningful improvements in the standings. As the rivalry intensifies and fixtures pile up, the football world will watch whether the forward can sustain his early momentum and help his new club climb the table while guiding younger teammates through the demanding path to the playoffs and beyond.