Leonid Goldman highlights Artem Dzyuba’s growing stature in Russian football
Leonid Goldman, the representative for Akron Tolyatti striker Artem Dzyuba, has stressed that his client’s reputation in Russia mirrors the esteem enjoyed by one of the country’s most celebrated finishers. Goldman explains that comparing Dzyuba to a local Cristiano Ronaldo reflects his standing within Russian football rather than a direct likeness in style or career milestones. Dzyuba deeply respects Ronaldo and the influence the Portuguese icon has on the pitch. Goldman notes that the forward carries himself with a confident presence that invites such comparisons while steering clear of talk about overseas moves or shortcuts.
After a productive period last season, Dzyuba left Lokomotiv Moscow. Across all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, the forward appeared 26 times and supplied four goals along with four assists. Lokomotiv finished fourth in the Russian Premier League, collecting 53 points and maintaining a position among the league’s upper tier. The departure marked a new chapter as Dzyuba pursued fresh opportunities and a new challenge in Russia’s top flight.
Akron, a relatively new entrant to the Russian Premier League, has been navigating its inaugural season with steady progress. After eight rounds, the Samara region club sits in the lower-middle portion of the table, having accrued eight points. The club’s ambitions are clear: build a squad capable of competing with more established teams, implement disciplined defensive structure, adapt tactically as the season unfolds, and cultivate several young talents eager to prove themselves in Russia’s top tier. The focus remains on sustainable growth, with a plan to translate early momentum into sustained performance as the campaign advances.
The upcoming fixture pits Akron at home against Krasnodar, a match that will test the team’s cohesion and resolve. Krasnodar is recognized for a technical approach and rapid transitions, presenting a formidable challenge to Akron’s defensive organization and counterattack potential. For Akron, the contest is about more than three points. It is a proving ground to demonstrate progress, to show that the team can control tempo, and to highlight the form of players who have hinted at significant potential throughout the campaign.
In Akron’s opening appearance, Dzyuba delivered a notable contribution by providing an assist, signaling that his creative involvement in the attack could play a pivotal role in the club’s plans. The scoring and assist tallies from recent seasons suggest a player capable of influencing decisive moments, while Akron’s evolving tactical setup aims to maximize his physical presence, aerial prowess, and link-up play with teammates. Fans will watch closely as Dzyuba integrates further into the club’s system, seeking a balance between maintaining a goal threat and stabilizing defensive duties across the forward and midfield lines. The broader expectation is that Dzyuba’s experience will aid Akron’s young squad as they shape a more cohesive and resilient unit as the season progresses. [CITATION: Akron FC press release]