Former Russian national team striker discusses Artem Dzyuba and others accused of simulation
Former Russian national team striker Sergei Kiryakov commented on Artem Dzyuba, Lokomotiv’s forward, and players who have been observed attempting to deceive referees through simulation. He suggested that a wide group of attackers could be singled out in such discussions, noting that Dzyuba might not have been the most provocative figure on any supposed list, while officials still watched him closely. According to Kiryakov, Dzyuba understands how to approach the game, and one must be cautious in the penalty area when facing him because he actively seeks contact and thrills the crowd with his plays. These observations were reported by bookmakers’ rating outlets.
Beyond Dzyuba, the discussion extended to a broader roll call that included Alexander Sobolev, Nikolai Komlichenko, Vladimir Pisarsky, David Karaev, Reziuan Mirzov, Konstantin Tyukavin, and Fedor Smolov. This assortment reflects opinions circulating among pundits about who might be labeled as simulation specialists and how referees might respond to their approaches during matches.
The transfer news around Dzyuba added another layer to the storyline. On February 8, he signed a contract with Lokomotiv that runs through the end of the season. After the announcement, a provocative banner appeared near Lokomotiv’s home stadium, directed at Dzyuba. In the subsequent match, Dzyuba scored a hat-trick against Rostov, marking his first goals since returning to the Russian Premier League. This notable performance reinforced the debate about his on-field tactics and his impact on the team’s dynamic.
Gennady Orlov, a former commentator, spoke in an interview about Dzyuba’s words. He expressed skepticism regarding the sincerity of the statements and offered his own perspective on the matter, suggesting that the public and critics would continue to scrutinize the forwards’ actions and the interpretations of officials. The conversation reflected broader discussions about player behavior, refereeing decisions, and the line between competitive intensity and simulation.