Valery Gazzaev, the former head coach of Dynamo Kiev and the Russian national team, shared his assessment of CSKA Moscow’s Uzbek youngster Abbosbek Faizullaev after observing the team’s recent camp. He noted that Faizullaev has a remarkably bright start to life with the army club, showing traits that could translate into long-term potential at a high level. Gazzaev emphasized that the early phase of a young player’s adaptation is about seizing opportunities, gaining confidence, and demonstrating consistency in both training and behind-the-scenes work. Faizullaev’s initial camp performances have drawn attention for the pace, ball control, and spatial awareness he brings to the pitch, elements that are critical for a midfielder who must bridge defense and attack with ease.
Gazzaev stressed that it remains too soon to place any definitive label on the 20-year-old’s ceiling at CSKA. He pointed out that many players go through a learning curve before they can be measured against club legends or established stars. At this stage, Faizullaev’s development should be evaluated on practical improvements—how quickly he adapts to higher tempo, reads teammates’ runs, and translates that understanding into decisive actions on the field. The veteran coach’s takeaway centers on patience and steady progression rather than immediate comparisons, which can add pressure and skew perception of a young player’s progress.
He highlighted several aspects of Faizullaev’s game that stand out. The midfielder possesses quick feet and sharp ball control that help him navigate tight spaces. His vision enables him to unlock compact defenses with precise passes, and he demonstrates a taste for riskier, yet often rewarding, creative choices. Gazzaev noted that Faizullaev’s ability to pick out teammates with a single, well-timed pass could be a decisive weapon in CSKA’s attacking play, especially in fast transitions after regaining possession. Although it is natural to seek comparisons as a quick frame of reference, Gazzaev argued that there is no need to force an analogy with any previous CSKA star, stressing that every player writes their own story at the club.
The club secured Faizullaev’s services in the summer of 2023 from Pakhtakor, and the contract runs through the end of the 2025/26 season with an option to extend. This arrangement provides CSKA with a multi-year window to develop the player while allowing the club to evaluate his impact in both domestic competitions and potential European fixtures. The extended timeline also gives Faizullaev space to acclimate to new teammates, coaching philosophies, and the league’s pace while building confidence through increasingly demanding responsibilities on the field. Analysts see this as a strategic move by CSKA to cultivate homegrown talent who can eventually contribute as a regular starter or as a versatile figure off the bench in various midfield roles.
In contemporary discussions about CSKA’s form and youth development, Gazzaev’s comments carry weight because they blend practical scouting with an understanding of the pressures faced by young players. He believes that Faizullaev’s growth will hinge on continued exposure to competitive match situations, rigorous training routines, and guidance from experienced teammates. The path from a promising camp impression to a trusted contributor is rarely linear, but the early signs are encouraging enough to warrant ongoing observation. Gazzaev’s assessment also touched on the broader context of the club’s academy pipeline, suggesting that a measured approach to integrating new talents into the first team can yield sustainable success rather than rushed, fragile breakthroughs. Overall, Faizullaev appears to have gained a favorable start to his CSKA journey, and observers will be watching how his role evolves as the season unfolds.
Earlier remarks from Gazzaev about another high-profile derby encounter drew attention for their optimistic tone regarding Spartak Moscow’s performance against CSKA. He described the draw as a remarkable result, underscoring the unpredictability of derby atmospheres and the fine margins that can decide critical moments in such clashes. The veteran coach’s reflections remind fans and analysts that the derby landscape is dynamic, with turnarounds and surprises often shaping the narrative around both clubs throughout the campaign. As the season progresses, all eyes will stay on Faizullaev to see how quickly he translates potential into consistent contributions for CSKA.