Alexander Chugunov, a former Krasnodar midfielder known as Kuban in his early career, weighs in on the future of Russian playmaker Alexei Miranchuk, suggesting he should move to a club where his abilities are fully trusted. The comment was reported by Euro-Football.Ru and reflects Chugunov’s view on Miranchuk’s development and potential next steps in his professional journey.
Chugunov notes that Miranchuk possesses clear strengths alongside certain weaknesses. He believes that Atalanta, a club where Miranchuk has spent several seasons, has substantial depth in its squad with players capable of stepping in when needed. In his assessment, Miranchuk does not display extraordinary traits that would force the Italian side to restructure its lineup, and he implies that the coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, exercises a careful, competitive approach rather than stifling Miranchuk’s opportunities. This perspective aligns with the notion that team dynamics at Atalanta can sometimes limit regular first-team appearances for players who do not hold a guaranteed position.
During the most recent season, Miranchuk has been productive when called upon, contributing goals and assists across various competitions. In total this season, he has appeared in a defined number of matches for Atalanta, making a noticeable impact in both domestic league play and cup fixtures. The numbers underline Miranchuk’s role as a versatile option who can influence games when deployed in different attacking positions, even if he has not always been a fixed starter. This form fuels the discussion about his long-term fit with Atalanta and whether a fresh challenge could unlock additional facets of his game.
Miranchuk’s transfer story includes a move from Lokomotiv Moscow to Atalanta in September 2020. Since arriving in Italy, he has navigated competition for places, and a loan spell at Torino in the 2022 window offered a chance to rediscover regular minutes and demonstrate his capability in a different tactical context. The stint at Torino produced four goals across 29 appearances, providing valuable experience and contributing to Miranchuk’s overall development as a player capable of contributing in front of goal and in build-up play. After the loan, he returned to Atalanta to continue competing for a place in the squad, where he remains a potential asset for the coach’s rotation and strategic plans.
Looking ahead, several observers have shared opinions on Miranchuk’s future with Atalanta. Some see a path for him to re-establish himself as a more integral figure in Gasperini’s system, while others acknowledge that a move elsewhere could offer a more consistent starting role and a platform to showcase his skills on a regular basis. The discussions reflect a broader trend among European clubs to prioritize players who can contribute decisively in high-intensity leagues, while also balancing squad depth and competition for places. Miranchuk’s adaptability, combined with his technical ability and movement off the ball, suggests he could thrive in environments that emphasize quick transitions and creative ball progression.