In a recent discussion, former footballer Alexander Mostovoy, known for his time with Celta, stated on RB Sports that Artem Dzyuba’s career with the Russian national team effectively ended about a year and a half ago. Mostovoy argued that Dzyuba was not summoned during a period when the national team needed him most, and those who follow football closely would have understood that his best contribution should have come during World Cup qualifying campaigns. He added that bringing him into the squad at a late stage would not change the outcome. He emphasized that the selection process is now broader, allowing the possibility to search for new players, yet Dzyuba’s international chapter, in his view, had closed around 1.5 years earlier due to a combination of circumstances and the coach’s decisions.
Dzyuba’s last appearance for Russia came during the European Championship in June 2021. Notably, he stands as one of the top scorers in the nation’s history, tied with Alexander Kerzhakov, each having 30 goals. This scoring record places him among the most prolific figures in the national team’s history, underscoring the notable impact he had during his international tenure. The discussion around his role reflects broader debates about how and when a national squad should leverage veteran leadership and goal-scoring prowess. It also touches on questions about how the national team’s long-term planning balances experience with the emergence of new talents.
On November 7, the Russian Football Union (RFU) released information inviting players to participate in the national team’s November training camp, signaling a period of renewed selection activity and preparation. A few days later, on November 20, Valery Karpin’s squad is scheduled to face the Cuban national team in a friendly match held in Volgograd. The kick-off is set for 19:30 Moscow time, providing an additional opportunity to evaluate players within an international context and to test tactical approaches ahead of more competitive fixtures. This schedule follows the typical rhythm of the national team’s autumn calendar, which often includes a mix of friendlies and training camps designed to optimize squad cohesion and player fitness.
Earlier, Dzyuba had been discussed as a unique phenomenon in Russian football, recognized for his strengths as a striker and his contributions to the national team during his years of active service. The evolving conversation around his career continues to reflect on how veteran players fit into modern tactical plans and how national teams manage transitions to younger generations while maintaining a competitive edge on the international stage. The ongoing dialogue also highlights the importance of timely selections, strategic planning, and the broader dynamics that influence a national team’s composition during critical qualification periods.