Lokomotiv forward Maxim Glushenkov spoke about teammate Artem Dzyuba’s performance, offering a detailed assessment that reflects both respect and measured optimism. Glushenkov noted that Dzyuba has long been recognized as a quality striker, and his recent spell with Lokomotiv appears to have confirmed that reputation. He explained that the criticism aimed at Artem during the training camp overlooks two key factors: the long layoff from competitive football and the challenge of integrating into a new club. In Glushenkov’s eyes, Dzyuba needed time to regain sharpness and adjust to his surroundings, and the progress since then has been evident. He highlighted Dzyuba’s rapid ascent in form, underscoring that six goals in five appearances is a strong indicator of the player’s capacity to impact matches at a high level, especially given the competitiveness of the league. The forward demonstrated clinical finishing and consistency, with notable contributions that helped the team’s attacking dynamic evolve as the season progressed.
To understand the arc of Artem Dzyuba’s season, it is essential to recall his recent movements. He had not featured in the Russian Premier League at the end of the previous campaign and signed a six-month deal with Lokomotiv in February. Before arriving in Russia, Dzyuba spent time with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, a stop that lasted only a few months. This transition period—moving between leagues and adapting to a new environment—was a hurdle, but it also provided a fresh start. Once back in the domestic league, Dzyuba began to recapture the form that had once established him as one of the top forwards in the country. The run of goals that followed included a standout hat-trick against Rostov and a brace in the 21st round against Paris Nizhny Novgorod, marking a clear statement that the player’s rhythm had returned and that his role within Lokomotiv’s attack was becoming increasingly influential.
Former Dynamo defender Saba Sazonov, who joined Artem for joint training sessions at Zenit, observed that Dzyuba’s ambitions remained high and that his teammates understood the intensity with which he pursues his targets. During those sessions, Artem conveyed that his own priority was clear: to contribute as much as possible while ensuring his teammates were not put under unnecessary pressure. This sentiment underscored a collaborative mindset within the squad, as Dzyuba sought to blend his experience with the team’s evolving tactical setup. The overall atmosphere during practice suggested a mature approach to reintegrating into regular competition, with Dzyuba focusing on helping Lokomotiv maximize its attacking options and maintain momentum as the season continued. (Attribution: Sazonov, Zenit training notes)