Rinat Bilyaletdinov, who once led Rubin Kazan, shared a critical observation about Artem Dzyuba’s role for Lokomotiv Moscow, noting that the striker’s fit on the field sometimes limited the team’s tactical options. The former coach emphasized that while Dzyuba possesses the physical presence and finishing instinct that make him a constant goal threat, his style can narrow the attacking variety Lokomotiv relies on during matches. According to Bilyaletdinov, the forward’s strengths in hold-up play and aerial duels remain undeniable, yet the absence of diverse movement and interchangeable attacking profiles can dampen Lokomotiv’s ability to surprise and adapt as games unfold. This perspective highlights a common challenge for teams that invest heavily in a target man: balancing a reliable centerpiece with a dynamic, multi-angled frontline that keeps defenses guessing.
Dzyuba, continuing to be a focal point in Lokomotiv’s attack, has consistently demonstrated his ability to shield the ball under pressure, hold up play, and use his height to threaten goals from crosses and set pieces. Those attributes make him a natural option for building attacks from the front and winning duels against defenders. However, the reliance on a single forward profile may prompt coaches to seek supplementary options that complement the striker’s strengths—players who can inject pace, make diagonal runs, and connect with midfield creativity to offer more dimension to the frontline. In this context, Bilyaletdinov’s remarks reflect a broader tactical commentary about how teams can maximize a physical, target-led forward while still maintaining fluid, unpredictable attacking patterns that test organized back lines.
Internally, Dzyuba renewed his commitment with Lokomotiv last season, and the two parties extended the arrangement under a 1+1 framework. Prior to this period, the forward spent time with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, gaining experience in a different league environment and adapting to varied stylistic approaches to the game. The sequence of these moves underlines a career path characterized by exposure to diverse tactical cultures, which can influence how a striker integrates with teammates, adjusts to coaches’ systems, and contributes across different competitions. When the contract discussions concluded, the club affirmed a continued association with the player, signaling trust in his abilities and his potential to deliver key performances in domestic league play and cup competitions alike.
In the current season, Dzyuba has appeared in ten Russian Premier League matches and three National Cup fixtures, contributing three goals and two assists across those appearances. The season’s scoring leadership within Lokomotiv is held by Nair Tiknizyan, who has found the back of the net four times in league action. This distribution of goals highlights how the team has balanced contributions from multiple attackers, with Dzyuba providing meaningful goals and assists while others step up to share the scoring burden. The results reflect Lokomotiv’s ongoing efforts to optimize attacking depth, ensuring that the squad can sustain pressure over the course of long campaigns and in different competition formats. The broader context for Dzyuba’s numbers shows a player who remains capable of impactful contributions even as the squad evolves around him, with tactical adjustments likely to be pursued to maximize the frontline’s effectiveness moving forward.
Rumors of a potential move abroad have circulated, underscoring that international clubs have shown interest in Dzyuba’s profile. Such interest underlines the value placed on his physical presence, experience, and goal-scoring instincts. For Lokomotiv, the challenge remains to maintain continuity and performance while evaluating opportunities that could influence squad dynamics and long-term plans. The season’s results and ongoing negotiations will shape the clock for Dzyuba’s future, as both the player and the club weigh options that could impact team chemistry, leadership on the pitch, and the potential for further contributions in domestic leagues and cup competitions. The focus remains on delivering productive performances that align with Lokomotiv’s objectives, supporting continued growth and ambition for the squad in the near term.