Alexander Tarkhanov, a Russian football coach, commented on the absence of CSKA Moscow’s goalkeeper and captain Igor Akinfeev during the league match against Khimki in the 22nd round of the Russian Premier League (RPL).
The game, played on a spring day, ended with CSKA securing a 3:0 victory. Akinfeev did not participate due to an injury, leaving the goal duties to 19-year-old Vladislav Torop. Torop has seen more minutes in recent matches and has impressed observers with his reflexes, composure, and willingness to take responsibility between the posts.
Analysts highlighted Torop’s development as part of a broader strategy to develop homegrown talent within CSKA. Tarkhanov noted that Torop benefits from a strong mentoring environment, with Akinfeev providing guidance from the sidelines and in training sessions. The coach suggested that when Akinfeev eventually steps back, a ready-made successor will be waiting for the opportunity to step in and continue CSKA’s standard of goalkeeping excellence. The assessment from Euro-Football.Ru echoed this sentiment, praising Torop’s progress and underscoring the value of giving him match exposure in important fixtures [Euro-Football.Ru].
As a result of the win, CSKA accumulated 41 points and remained in fourth place in the RPL standings. Looking ahead, the club prepared for an away match in the next round against Ural, scheduled for April 15, a test of whether the squad can maintain momentum while managing the absence of their captain in the lineup.
Leonid Slutsky, formerly associated with CSKA, was quoted in media discussions, connecting a recent victory by Samara’s Wings of the Soviets to a famous line from a Soviet-era comedy to illustrate the team’s rising confidence and the playful mood surrounding their performance in domestic competition [citation].