Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA Moscow defender who also starred for the USSR national team, shared pointed opinions in an interview with socialbites.ca about Fedor Chalov’s form at the start of the 2024 season. He expressed clear concern over the striker’s recent performances and how they have affected CSKA’s early campaign. According to Ponomarev, Chalov has not been able to demonstrate his typical level of influence in the opening fixtures, including the 2:0 defeat against Krylia Sovetov.
From the veteran’s perspective, the 25-year-old forward appeared unable to translate his potential into impact on the field. Ponomarev suggested that Chalov’s game rhythm was off in the Krylia Sovetov match and argued that the issue extended beyond a single bad day. He noted a lack of starting pace and distance speed, and he criticized Chalov for reducing his movement and decision making, saying the player has often relied on opponents’ mistakes rather than driving play himself. The critic also pointed to Faizullaev, a teammate in the autumn, who did not receive the same level of praise as before, underscoring a need for a stronger physical contribution from Chalov. Ponomarev remarked that there are moments that raise doubts about Chalov’s current form, a sentiment the veteran believes warrants further work and introspection.
The Samara clash concluded with a 2-0 result, featuring a brace from Willian Rocha who found the net with precise finishing. This result left CSKA perched in fourth place on the Russian Championship table with 32 points, while Krylya Sovetov sat in eighth with 29 points. The assessment from Ponomarev adds another layer to the season’s early narrative, highlighting concerns about whether Chalov can regain his scoring touch and mobility as CSKA navigates a challenging schedule.
Historically a CSKA legend, Ponomarev has not minced words when discussing the team’s attacking unit. His comments reflect a broader debate within the club about how to maximize Chalov’s technical gifts while ensuring that the forward line develops the pace, movement, and aggression demanded at the top level. The conversation around Chalov’s form is likely to influence coaching decisions and training emphasis as CSKA seeks to restore consistency and push higher in the league standings. Sources: socialbites.ca