Vyacheslav Chanov, once a trusted goalkeeping coach for CSKA, assessed Artem Dzyuba’s chances to challenge the all-time Russian top scorer list led by Alexander Kerzhakov. Kerzhakov sits at 233 official goals and retired in 2017, a benchmark that continues to inspire strikers across Russian football.
Dzyuba recently scored twice in the Russian Premier League week 21 clash with Paris Nizhny Novgorod, adding to his tally in official competitions and pushing his total count closer to Kerzhakov’s record. The total number of goals for Dzyuba in official dealings stands at 223 as of that moment. The significance of these figures lies not just in the numbers, but in the longevity and consistency required to approach such a historic milestone.
Chanov emphasized that records are time-bound and not immutable. He explained that Dzyuba’s ability to surpass Kerzhakov will depend on more than just ambition. Fitness, match readiness, and continued selection in the squad will all influence his trajectory. The more opportunities Dzyuba has to play, the higher the likelihood he will close the gap and possibly overtake the landmark figure, according to his assessment reported by Match TV.
Since stepping away from the Russian Premier League for a spell, Dzyuba signed a six-month agreement with Lokomotiv in February. Before joining Lokomotiv, he spent a brief period with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, where his stay lasted only a few months. His return to Russia marked a rapid return to form, as he quickly made an impact in domestic competition.
Upon his comeback, Dzyuba found the net six times across four league appearances. He delivered a memorable hat-trick in a match against Rostov and then added a brace in the season’s final round against Paris Nizhny Novgorod, demonstrating his capacity to influence decisive fixtures. These performances have reignited discussion about his role in Lokomotiv’s attack and his potential to add to his already impressive career tally.
Former Russia international Dmitry Bulykin has also weighed in on Dzyuba’s ongoing run of form. He spoke about the striker’s influence in the Lokomotiv lineup during the contest with Pari NN in the Russian Premier League, noting how Dzyuba’s presence shapes both finishing opportunities and the tactical balance of the team. Bulykin’s commentary adds another layer to the assessment of Dzyuba’s continued contribution at the top level.