Former St. Petersburg Zenit player addresses Dziuba’s absence from the national team camp
The former Zenit forward Vladimir Bystrov weighs in on Artem Dziuba being left off the extended roster for Russia’s March training camp. Bystrov’s comments reflect a broader discussion about the national team’s strategic direction and the evolving mix of experienced players and emerging talents. This decision by the coaching staff, led by Valery Karpin, has sparked debate among supporters and analysts about how best to balance continuity with renewal as Russia looks toward competitive matches on the international stage. According to Bystrov, the question is not simply whether Dziuba should be recalled, but how the team should be configured to maximize performance in the coming period. The conversation centers on whether bringing in the veteran striker would require a reshaping of tactics and how much value he could add given the team’s current shape.
In the 18th round of the Russian Premier League, the forward delivered a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Rostov, underscoring his talent and continued impact at the domestic level. This on-field performance adds a layer of complexity to the national team debate, highlighting the tension between recent club form and national team planning. Observers note that club form can influence the trajectory of national team selections, while coaches emphasize broader strategic goals, squad balance, and the need to develop depth across positions.
The central question remains forward-looking: should the squad prioritize current momentum or invest in younger attackers who could grow into starting roles in the near future? Some voices argue that there is little room for regressing after a period of building a new structure, stressing that depth is crucial as the team aims to regain a foothold on the international scene. The notion is that the coaching staff must make tough choices about who best fits the plan for upcoming matches, and this often means letting go of names that were once central to the setup.
Speaking on the broader strategy, Bystrov notes that there are promising young forwards performing at a high level. He observes that Dziuba, now past the typical peak years for a striker, would not necessarily benefit from this phase of the national program if the team is pursuing a longer-term rebuild. The discussion underscores how a national program can evolve by integrating new talent while still acknowledging the contributions of established players who adapt to new roles or positions as needed.
Valery Karpin answered questions about the expanded roster by naming five forwards to the training group: Fedor Chalov of CSKA, Alexander Sobolev of Spartak Moscow, Vladimir Pisarsky of Krylya Sovetov Samara, Konstantin Tyukavin of Dynamo Moscow, and Nikolai Komlichenko of Rostov. The selection signals an intention to diversify attacking options and to test different combinations in preparation for official fixtures. Analysts point out that these choices reflect a blend of established club performers and rising talents, aimed at building a flexible frontline capable of adapting to various opponents and tactical setups.
The national team is scheduled to assemble in Moscow on March 19 for a training camp that will serve as a crucial step in aligning the squad’s approach ahead of upcoming matches. This gathering will give coaches a chance to evaluate players within a controlled environment and to advance plans for the team’s strategic framework. The process emphasizes the balance between honoring proven performers and cultivating younger players who can contribute to the team’s long-term ambitions.
Former coach Leonid Slutsky commented on the current approach under Valery Karpin, clarifying that the March camp does not include Artem Dziuba in the invitation list for official matches. The remark reflects ongoing conversations about selection philosophy, where the emphasis is on building a cohesive unit that can perform consistently on the international stage while also allowing space for upcoming generations to grow within the national setup. This stance aligns with a broader trend in Russia’s football leadership to refresh the squad and to prepare for future competitions with a more balanced, multi-generational roster.