Oleg Romantsev, the former head coach of Spartak Moscow and the Russian national team, spoke warmly about Artem Dzyuba, the Akron Togliatti striker, urging that his recent form could earn him another look from the national squad. The veteran coach’s reflections appeared in Sports Express and have fueled conversations among fans and pundits who follow every turn of Dzyuba’s career. Romantsev highlighted the striker’s size, link‑up play, and evident goalscoring instinct, arguing that when a forward plays with that kind of eye for goal, national team selectors take notice and the door can reopen.
Romantsev elaborated that Dzyuba seems to understand the conditions under which national team decisions are made. If he demonstrates that he meets the demanding criteria presently expected by head coach Valery Karpin, there is little reason he would turn down a national call, even if past disagreements colored their relationship. The veteran coach also pointed out that upcoming assignments against teams that offer space in attack could provide a perfect stage for a proven striker to show his readiness. In such matches, a capable forward can rack up goals quickly, and that kind of performance often shapes the thinking of those in charge. Such momentum, Romantsev suggested, would reaffirm Dzyuba’s qualities to the national team leadership and spark renewed belief among fans in North America and beyond.
Dzyuba shares first place with Alexander Kerzhakov in the number of goals for the Russian national team—both players have tallied thirty. This milestone highlights the striker’s long-standing impact on Russia’s attack across different generations, underscoring his ability to contribute in qualifiers and major tournaments. The fact that two different eras produced the same landmark speaks to the durability of his finishing touch and presence up front. As discussions about recruitment and squad balance continue, the 30-goal mark remains a touchstone when evaluating his place for future matches.
The forward’s international journey includes Euro 2016, Euro 2020, and the 2018 World Cup, with a break in call-ups beginning in 2021 after Valery Karpin became head coach following a history of disagreements. Those years away from the squad did not erase Dzyuba’s past contributions, and they highlighted the ongoing debate about whether his style remains a fit for the national team’s evolving plans. Observers note that as Russia continued to refine its approach, players like Dzyuba remained part of the larger conversation about experience and leadership in the forward line.
Dzyuba has admitted a desire to rejoin the national squad for upcoming friendlies against Brunei and Syria. He would bring valuable experience to the attack, and his availability would be seen as a signal that Russia intends to keep veteran options in circulation. Brunei was defeated heavily, with Russia posting eleven to zero, while Syria was handled with a four to zero margin. For Dzyuba, the chance to prove himself again at the international level would carry more than just personal pride; it would be a reminder of his role in Russia’s plans going forward.
“I am not in a position to show off right now. I would go. It is truly a great honor for me to be called to the national team. When people ask me what I miss most in football, I answer: The anthem of the country,” he said.
Earlier, a Russian coach joked about Dzyuba not receiving a national team call, a remark that fed into the ongoing dialogue about his status and potential return.