Former Lokomotiv Moscow striker and Russia national team alum Dmitry Bulykin shared his thoughts in an interview with socialbites.ca, suggesting that Arsen Zakharyan, the Real Sociedad midfielder, should genuinely feel the intensity and quality of Champions League football. The Basque club has been drawn into a demanding group that will see them face Benfica Lisbon, Inter Milan, and Red Bull Salzburg in the group stage, creating a stern test for Zakharyan as he acclimates to Europe’s top club competition.
Bulykin’s faith in Zakharyan hinges on the idea that the Champions League presents a different kind of challenge—one that tests technical ability, decision making, and mental resilience at the highest level. He believes the young Russian talent will experience a surge of happiness and satisfaction simply from competing against the continent’s elite clubs, noting that this is the moment a player dreams of when pursuing a career at the sport’s peak. The sense of achievement, he argues, will come not just from results but from the experience of performing on a stage that pushes players to elevate every facet of their game.
Beyond the group stage, the broader context of Real Sociedad’s European campaign offers Zakharyan opportunities to grow through consistent exposure to top-tier opponents. The mix of teams in the group provides different styles and tactical demands, helping him develop adaptability and build connections with teammates who can help him thrive in high-pressure situations. The journey through this group stage is about adjusting to the tempo, the pressure, and the precision required to compete week in and week out on Europe’s biggest stage.
Real Sociedad confirmed the transfer of Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow on August 19, marking a new chapter in his career. The contract with the Basque club is set to run through June 2029, underscoring the club’s long-term investment in his development. The move follows Zakharyan’s rise in Dynamo Moscow, where he trained as a product of the club’s youth system and stepped onto the senior scene with a growing impact in domestic competition.
This season, Zakharyan has appeared in three Russian Premier League matches, contributing one goal and one assist, a tally that signals his ongoing progress and potential at the senior level. His performances have drawn attention from observers across the football world, including former professionals who see his trajectory aligning with the demands of European football. The assessment from Bulykin and others highlights a belief that Zakharyan’s skill set—creative playmaking, ball control, and a willingness to take risks in the final third—could translate well to the Champions League environment.
Taken together, the early steps of Zakharyan’s European chapter, combined with Bulykin’s optimistic outlook, sketch a picture of a player poised to test himself against elite competition. Real Sociedad’s campaign will be a proving ground where the midfielder can demonstrate his ability to process tight spaces, make incisive passes, and contribute to a team’s offensive rhythm against top-tier defenses. For Real Sociedad, the challenge is not merely about qualification but about converting that opportunity into meaningful performances that can leave a mark in Europe. The stories around Zakharyan’s adaptation, his interactions with teammates, and his capacity to grow under Champions League pressure will likely shape how this period is remembered in his career trajectory.