The Paraguayan central defender currently with Moscow’s Spartak, Alexis Duarte, discussed his adjustment to life and football in Russia’s top division.
At the outset it proved challenging. He faced a new schedule, a different language, and a game that demanded new rhythms. The early matches did not reflect his best form, and the adjustment period felt lengthy. Yet Duarte reached a point where he began to feel completely at ease, fully grasping the team’s expectations and the tactical nuances on the field. He noted that he also started to catch the cadence of his teammates’ signals and collaborations during play, which helped him act with greater confidence in subsequent fixtures. According to Sport Express, the defender is now navigating this transition with improved comprehension and readiness.
Duarte joined Spartak from Cerro Porteño during the winter transfer window, stepping from Paraguayan football to one of Russia’s most storied clubs. Through six league appearances this season in the Russian Premier League, he has yet to find the back of the net, a statistic that does not fully reflect his growing role in the squad’s defensive structure and on-field responsibilities.
In the 26th round of the Russian Premier League, Spartak was on a path that highlighted stability within the squad as they continued to contend in the league standings. The team’s pursuit of success in the domestic championship remains a key objective for the coaching staff and players alike as they navigate the remainder of the campaign.
Former Spartak midfielder Yuri Gavrilov offered his perspective on the team’s trophy drought for the 2022/23 season, sharing insights about the competitive landscape and the challenges the club faced in securing silverware during that period.
Under Guillermo Abascal’s leadership, Spartak’s squad is aiming to solidify its position in the domestic table, with the team currently occupying a respectful place ahead of the season’s final rounds. The ensemble’s focus remains on improving results and finishing strongly as the campaign closes, while Duarte continues to develop his integration within the squad’s defensive line and tactical framework as they push toward their collective goals.