Famous football manager Dmitry Selyuk recently weighed in on Artem Dzyuba’s stellar hat-trick for Lokomotiv against Rostov in the 18th week of the Russian Premier League. The remarks, reported by Vprognoze.ru, highlight how the Napoli-style forward not only delivered three goals but also left a lasting impression across the entire squad and the national team setup.
Selyuk underscored that Dzyuba’s haul went beyond personal achievement. He noted that the striker’s performance illustrated leadership on the pitch, pointing out that the goalkeeper and the defenders from the broader national pool were also influenced by the display. In Selyuk’s view, the hat-trick demonstrated the caliber of a player who can elevate a team during a high-stakes league campaign and mark his mark even when facing the strongest rivals. [Source attribution: Vprognoze.ru]
Artem Dzyuba joined Lokomotiv on February 8, signing a contract through the conclusion of the season. Just a few weeks later, on March 4, Lokomotiv traveled to Rostov and secured a 3-1 victory. In that match, Dzyuba completed a hat-trick, scoring all three goals that swung the balance in favor of the Moscow-based club. These strikes represented the forward’s first mål after moving to the Lokomotiv camp, signaling a strong start to his new chapter in the Russian top flight. [Source attribution: Vprognoze.ru]
The broader context of this period includes a significant move in the football world: in the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA made the decision to suspend the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from competition under their governance. This landmark decision shaped the competitive landscape for Russian clubs and players, creating a backdrop against which Dzyuba and Lokomotiv have continued to compete locally and, where possible, in other sanctioned environments. The hat-trick therefore carries additional weight, as it underscores a player who remains active and impactful within the domestic league despite ongoing international restrictions. [Source attribution: FIFA/UEFA archives]
Commentary from other notable figures in Russian football also touched on Dzyuba’s achievement. Former CSKA Moscow coach Gazzaev offered reflections on the striker’s performance, highlighting the consistency and goal-scoring instinct that Dzyuba has demonstrated across different phases of his career. Gazzaev’s remarks added another layer to the debate about Dzyuba’s role at Lokomotiv and his potential influence in future matches as the season progresses. [Source attribution: contemporary sports coverage]