Former Lokomotiv Moscow president Nikolai Naumov described Artem Dzyuba as a rotation option, a label that carries weight in a squad juggling fitness, form, and rotation. In winter, when workouts slow and the body needs steady handling, a veteran like Dzyuba can still provide value off the bench and in the locker room, where experience matters as much as goals. Naumov’s assessment, quoted by Sports Express, highlighted a practical truth about modern football: players near peak age must manage their minutes to stay effective across a long season. It is a reminder that the squad’s depth is as important as its top line talent, especially in a league where rest, rotation, and tactical flexibility decide the outcomes of tight fixtures.
On March 10, in the 20th round of the Russian Premier League, Lokomotiv Moscow played to a 2-2 draw with Sochi. The match saw Lokomotiv race ahead twice, showing resilience and attacking intent. Early in the second half, the balance shifted as the visitors earned a numerical advantage after a stoppage in play, and the referee’s decisions shaped the tempo for the remainder of the game. Artem Dzyuba entered the fray in the 56th minute, stepping onto the field to inject fresh legs and a different strategic approach, yet he could not convert the chances that would tilt the match in Lokomotiv’s favor. The late pressure from Sochi tested Lokomotiv, who sought a second wind to reclaim the lead before the final whistle.
Following the draw, Lokomotiv’s development in the standings became clearer. They collected 32 points, a rate that nudged them into fourth place alongside CSKA Moscow as the season reached its midpoint’s impact. Sochi, meanwhile, remained near the lower end of the table, holding 13 points and facing continued battles to climb out of the relegation zone. The scoreline reflected a team chasing consistency—moments of ambition tempered by the need for sharper finishing and more ruthless defense in key episodes of the campaign.
Dzyuba’s involvement this season included 18 appearances and four goals in Russia’s top flight. His presence in the squad has offered Lokomotiv a blend of physical presence, hold-up play, and a willingness to press from the front when the match’s rhythm demands it. The dynamic of his role—whether as a starter or a substitute—has naturally influenced how Lokomotiv structures its forward line, how it manages minutes for its key players, and how it leverages rotation across a demanding schedule.
Previously, Lokomotiv’s coaching staff explained why Dzyuba did not begin the Sochi match. That decision, discussed in team briefings and press comments, pointed to tactical plans that favored alternate matchups, the need to balance fatigue, and the opportunity to exploit specific defensive gaps as the game unfolded. In the broader context, coaches insist on preserving the freshness of their spearhead while ensuring that every substitute can contribute meaningful seconds on the field, keeping a team ready for the next challenge and resilient in the final minutes of tightly contested fixtures. [Source: Sports Express]