Igor Shalimov, the former head coach of Yekaterinburg’s Ural, praised Artem Dzyuba’s debut for Moscow’s Lokomotiv, following feedback reported by RB Sports. The forward arrived with attention and expectations, and his first appearance was watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
On February 22, Dzyuba took the field for his official bow with the railway workers in a Russia Cup clash against Spartak Moscow. He played the full ninety minutes, contributing to the team’s effort, though he did not find the back of the net. Despite the absence of a goal, Dzyuba earned recognition as the standout player of the match as Lokomotiv edged Spartak 1-0 to advance in the competition.
Shalimov noted that Dzyuba had a couple of clear opportunities to score, including a header that hit the crossbar and a left-footed attempt near the goal. The evaluation centered on the quality of his overall performance and his ability to influence the game, even if the scoreboard did not reflect a finish. The striker has long been expected to deliver decisive moments, and the expectation is for him to translate effort into goals that tilt results in Lokomotiv’s favor.
In the broader sense, the discussion touched on how a modern center forward can contribute even when ball control and build-up are shared up the field. A comparison was drawn with a recent dynamic seen in Dutch football, where a striker can be immensely effective without constantly touching the ball. Yet the core message remained clear: the aim for Dzyuba is to convert his chances into goals, with teammates handling other phases of play to support the mission on match day.
Throughout recent months, Dzyuba had remained without a club. He spent a spell with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, from August to November 2022, featuring in five league matches while winding down his stint there. That period was followed by mounting anticipation about his next move and the potential impact he could have in a new league environment. Dzyuba’s readiness and form were subjects of interest as clubs and supporters watched for a renewed chapter in his career.
There was also interest from Ferencváros, with statements from Stanislav Cherchesov about possible negotiations to bring the striker to Hungary. The conversations reflected a broader interest in leveraging Dzyuba’s experience and goal-scoring instinct, while Lokomotiv evaluated how his presence could influence the squad’s dynamics and attacking options as the season progressed. The narrative around his future continued to evolve as the football world considered the match footage, training performances, and the strategic fit within Lokomotiv’s plans, all while keeping a watchful eye on competitive outcomes and squad depth. The ongoing dialogue suggested that both the player and the club were weighing the fit, timing, and potential rewards of a continued collaboration. At the same time, observers highlighted the importance of acclimatization, tactical integration, and the mental readiness required to consistently translate opportunities into goals across a demanding schedule. The balance between individual form and team structure remained a focal point for analysts assessing Dzyuba’s role in Lokomotiv’s forward line, especially as the team aimed to climb the league standings and pursue cup progress with renewed momentum.