A former midfielder for the Brazilian national team and Moscow Spartak, Alex spoke on the YouTube channel hosted by journalist Nobel Arustamyan. The discussion centered on a lineup comprised of some of the best players from the red-and-white club, highlighting both memorable moments and standout personalities.
Alex reflected on the squad with fond humor, recalling the goalkeeper’s name—was it Dikan?—and naming teammates such as Parshivlyuk, Rojo, Kovach, and Makeev. He praised Makeev for his quick wit and genuine personality, calling him a great guy. The conversation moved through a cadre of talented players like Carioca, Ibson, Jeannot, Welliton, and McGeady, weaving through the team’s legacy and chemistry.
The chat pivoted to the figure of Dzyuba, a Russian footballer who had anchored leadership within the squad at various points. Alex remarked that Dzyuba eventually rose to captain the team, a testament to his influence and presence on and off the pitch. Dzyuba’s sense of humor, coupled with his leadership, stood out as a defining trait during his Spartak tenure.
As a product of Spartak’s academy, Dzyuba went on to amass more than 100 appearances for the club, underscoring his durability and contribution over multiple seasons. His journey through top-tier Russian football reflected a blend of commitment, goal-scoring instinct, and team-first mentality that resonated with fans and teammates alike.
In a later move, Dzyuba signed with Lokomotiv for the 2022/23 season. The arrangement evolved into a 1+1 contract, with both parties extending the agreement as conditions allowed. This transition marked a new chapter in his professional life, illustrating the fluid nature of player careers within the Russian Premier League and the strategic decisions clubs make to balance performance, wage structures, and locker room dynamics.
During the current season, Dzyuba has featured in 16 Russian Championship matches and four National Cup fixtures, contributing four goals and three assists. His output demonstrated reliability in front of goal and a knack for creating opportunities, even as the calendar shifted and competition intensified. In the prior season, the striker shared top-scorer honors for his team with Izidor and Miranchuk, marking a productive period where his impact was felt in a shortened appearance window and underscoring his clutch scoring ability when the team needed him most.
Beyond the pitch, there were conversations about Dzyuba’s broader potential and impact, including discussions on how his leadership could influence sports culture and even political perspectives among athletes. These conversations reflected an understanding of how top players often shape locker-room culture, mentor younger teammates, and engage with media and fans beyond competitive matches. The dialogue about a player’s influence—both on-field performance and off-field leadership—adds depth to how clubs evaluate their rosters and how fans interpret a player’s career arc.
Ultimately, the story of Dzyuba within Spartak’s lineage, his subsequent move to Lokomotiv, and his continued contributions provide a narrative about resilience, adaptability, and enduring value. His path illustrates how a player can evolve—from a promising academy product to a seasoned professional who can lead, inspire, and deliver in multiple competitions across seasons. The broader takeaway is that football careers are enriched by a blend of skill, humor, leadership, and the ability to adapt to new teams while maintaining consistency at the highest levels of competition.