Former CSKA Moscow defender and captain of the USSR national team Vladimir Ponomarev shared his views on Maxim Mukhin in an interview, asserting that the 21-year-old midfielder is currently the standout player at the army club. Ponomarev emphasized that Mukhin has been showcasing his best form of late and has effectively translated the confidence shown by the coaching staff into tangible performance on the pitch.
The ex-player elaborated that Mukhin has blossomed in front of the eyes of fans and critics alike. He noted that the midfielder has benefited from the opportunities given by the coach last season, and those chances have helped him reach a new level. According to Ponomarev, Mukhin has now matured enough to secure a regular place in the first team, and his current peak condition has him operating at a high tempo and with renewed consistency across matches.
In the current Russian Premier League season, Mukhin has made three appearances and already found the back of the net twice, a testament to his growing influence in midfield. His early contributions have not only boosted his personal confidence but also signaled his potential to drive CSKA forward as the team builds its campaign this year. The club sits fifth in the standings after three rounds, collecting six points through a mix of disciplined defense and progressive attacking play, with Mukhin playing a key role in shaping their approach on the field.
Looking ahead, CSKA is set to face Fakel Voronezh in the Russian Cup. The scheduled kickoff is on August 9 at 18:30 Moscow time, with the match taking place at the VEB Arena. That fixture represents an opportunity for Mukhin to demonstrate his evolving impact in a knockout setting and for the squad to demonstrate depth and consistency as they navigate a busy period of the season. The broader context of the campaign suggests a growing alignment between Mukhin’s development trajectory and the club’s tactical plans, reinforcing his status as a central figure in the squad’s long-term ambitions.
Previously, Zenit faced criticism for requesting the cancellation of a red card issued to one of its players, a move that drew attention to disciplinary decisions within Russian football and their implications for team momentum. While that incident sits outside CSKA’s immediate contest, it underscores the heightened scrutiny surrounding matches as competitive stakes rise and players like Mukhin emerge as focal points of attention for fans and analysts alike.