The discussion around Artem Dzyuba’s place in the Russian national team has resurfaced as Valery Ovchinnikov, the former head coach of Nizhny Novgorod Lokomotiv, shared his perspective on the matter. He believes Dzyuba could be recalled to the national squad should he demonstrate form and fitness at the club level, emphasizing that age does not automatically bar a striker from earning a spot if he remains sharp and productive. Ovchinnikov pointed out that Dzyuba’s recent display with Lokomotiv suggests he still has something to offer at the highest level, noting that Karpin would not overlook a player who can contribute at the peak of their powers. The message was conveyed with a sense of candor about the current squad dynamics and the evaluation process that national team managers undertake when considering veteran players for selection.
Questions about Dzyuba’s current status with the national team have grown more frequent as his career has evolved. Observers note that a window may still be open for him, provided he maintains consistent performances and showcases leadership on the field. The narrative around Dzyuba’s role is not framed as a permanent exclusion or an automatic reappearance; rather, it centers on whether his present level aligns with the team’s tactical plans and the coach’s immediate needs. In discussions about the striker’s potential, the consensus is that his return would depend on concrete evidence of form, impact, and the ability to contribute to the squad’s competitive approach. The possibility remains contingent on ongoing assessments rather than a guaranteed comeback.
In recent action, Dzyuba featured for Lokomotiv in a Russian Cup clash against Spartak, completing the full 90 minutes as the teams battled for a crucial result. Although he did not find the back of the net, his performance was recognized as noteworthy by several observers, who highlighted his movement, hold-up play, and link-up with teammates. Lokomotiv secured a 1-0 victory, with the outcome underscoring the team’s resilience and tactical discipline in a knockout-format contest. The return leg set for late February offered another opportunity for Dzyuba to reaffirm his role and demonstrate his ongoing value to the squad as it prepares for subsequent fixtures.
The transfer window ultimately shaped the trajectory of Dzyuba’s club career. On February 8, he agreed to a contract with Lokomotiv through the end of the season, a move that followed a short spell abroad. Earlier, Dzyuba began the 2022/23 campaign with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, but circumstances led to the termination of his deal after a few months, leaving him as a free agent in search of a new challenge. This sequence illustrates the volatility many players face as they navigate contracts, form, and the evolving needs of clubs in a highly competitive environment. The latest chapter with Lokomotiv keeps him within reach of a competitive showcase, with potential implications for future selections at the national level depending on performance, fitness, and the strategic direction chosen by the coaching staff.
Observers who know Lokomotiv Moscow well commented on Dzyuba’s presence in matchups against Spartak as an indicator of how his experience could complement the squad’s attacking options. The discussions emphasize not only goals but also the intangibles Dzyuba brings, such as leadership, awareness in the box, and the ability to occupy defenders, creating space for teammates. If he continues to deliver consistent showings, the door to national team consideration remains ajar, albeit clearly contingent on a range of factors including competitive form, team balance, and the evolving plans of the national team manager. The broader takeaway is that awareness of Dzyuba’s career arc, current level, and the tactical context will govern any potential recall, rather than any fixed timetable or assumption about his status.