Valery Masalitin, a veteran of CSKA, offered insights on the newly arrived striker Tamerlan Musaev as the Moscow club integrates him into their setup. The comments reflect a view that Musaev has been brought in to raise competition within the squad. The emphasis starts with Zabolotny, a forward whose size and presence mirror Musaev in some aspects. Chalov, by contrast, represents a different profile of striker, suggesting CSKA’s forward line could evolve in multiple directions. With Zabolotny’s contract approaching its end in six months, there is speculation that Musaev could be groomed to assume a role in the squad’s future under a longer-term plan.
The discourse around Chalov hints that his play may remain predominantly with CSKA in Russia, while an exit, if it happens, would likely involve a move abroad. This potential dynamic underscores the broader reshaping of the club’s offensive options and Musaev’s possible pathway into first-team action.
Musaev joined CSKA Moscow in December 2023 following his spell with Baltika Kaliningrad. His career path also includes periods with Ulyanovsk Volga and KAMAZ, underscoring a journey through Russian football before stepping into CSKA’s ranks. Born in Dagestan, Musaev began playing football at a young age in his homeland and moved to CSKA Moscow’s academy when he was 13, where he trained through 2015. This early move illustrates the club’s long-standing commitment to nurturing young talent from the region.
In the national setup, Musaev has represented Russia at the youth level on two occasions, highlighting his standing within the national talent pipeline. His progression to the senior level has been watched with interest as he continues to develop his skill set and adapt to higher levels of competition.
Over the current season, Musaev has appeared in 18 Russian Premier League matches and has scored two goals, while Zabolotny has accumulated 17 appearances with a record of 6 goals plus 1 in assists, illustrating the ongoing competition for striking positions within CSKA. These statistics provide a snapshot of the forward options available to the coaching staff and the potential for Musaev to convert chances at a higher rate as he adapts to the demands of top-tier Russian football.
Additional rumors and developments around CSKA’s forward lineup continue to circulate, with talk of movements involving other prominent players. One veteran pundit’s remark about a player previously linked with Spartak and now potentially moving to Zenit hints at the broader reshuffling that can affect CSKA’s tactical choices and transfer strategy. These narratives emphasize the need for depth, adaptability, and strategic planning in CSKA’s attacking options as the season unfolds.