Maxim Glushenkov, a forward who has impressed in Saint Petersburg, weighed in on who he believes stands as the league’s top performer. His remarks were captured on the SBG Show YouTube channel, a platform known for in-depth looks at the Russian Premier League and its rising talents. Glushenkov stressed that he does not chase personal glory or judge success by goals alone. He pointed to Lesha Batrakov, Lokomotiv Moscow’s young midfielder, as the standout figure at present. The players have trained together since the preseason camp, and Batrakov was later added to the squad for the final four rounds of the season. Glushenkov called him a highly gifted youngster and said he is really handsome. The exchange underscores a broader sense of optimism around Lokomotiv’s emerging crop of talent and the quiet leadership forming within the team.
Batrakov, now 19, made his senior debut earlier this spring. This season in the Russian Premier League, he has established himself not merely as a squad member but as a key contributor from the outset. The midfielder has tallied seven goals and six assists across 14 league appearances for Lokomotiv, illustrating his ability to influence matches in multiple ways. The teenager’s energy, technical skill, and willingness to press high up the pitch have become hallmarks of his early impact. Coaches and teammates have observed how his quick decisions translate into meaningful goal-scoring chances and opportunities for teammates, helping drive Lokomotiv’s attacking efforts.
Mikhail Galaktionov’s team sits in second place after ten weeks, accumulating 27 points and trailing Krasnodar only on tiebreakers. The early-season form has drawn attention from supporters and analysts who see in Lokomotiv a blend of experienced players and fresh, athletic talent. The steady climb appears to reflect a coherent plan from Galaktionov, one that balances defensive organization with the risk-taking variety that Batrakov provides. As the campaign continues, the squad’s cohesion and Batrakov’s ongoing adaptation could shape Lokomotiv’s pursuit of a top-three finish and the prospect of European competition.
Earlier reports hinted that the wealthiest footballer in the world might face the Russian national team, a storyline that has added extra buzz around the league. While the rumor mill churns, Lokomotiv’s focus remains on growing from within, highlighted by a nineteen-year-old who was not a regular starter at the season’s outset. The unfolding season demonstrates how youth can accelerate a club’s fortunes and how veterans like Glushenkov recognize and promote emerging talents who may define Russian football in the years ahead.