The Moscow Lokomotiv telegram channel shared a lighthearted clip from a winter training session, featuring two of the club’s forwards, Artem Dzyuba and Timur Suleymanov, engaging in a playful mini wrestling match. The moment captured the spirit of camaraderie that often surfaces during tight training blocks, offering fans a cheerful glimpse behind the scenes as players push through drills and bond with teammates. The video quickly drew smiles from viewers, who could sense the team’s energy and focus even in a lighthearted contest between two seasoned strikers.
Captioning the clip, the club’s press service dubbed the moment Emotion number two: Dzyuba attacked Suleymanov. It’s a tongue-in-cheek line that nods to the banter that thrives in football camps, where competitive instincts meet a good-natured sense of humor. The banter serves not just as entertainment for supporters, but also as a reminder of the athletes’ relaxed attitude during training, balancing intensity with moments of levity that help maintain morale and team cohesion during a demanding season.
Asked about the playful exchange, Dzyuba offered a candid assessment of the exchange’s outcome. He acknowledged that while technique might favor Suleymanov in a purely technical sense, physical advantage—strength and weight—leaned in his own direction. In these candid moments, the players reveal not only their physical skills but also their quick-witted dynamics on the pitch, underscoring how equal parts skill and swagger shape the team’s on-field chemistry. The exchange felt like a small, friendly duel that strengthened mutual respect between teammates while entertaining fans who follow every twist of Lokomotiv’s season.
In the current campaign, Suleymanov has appeared in 25 matches and found the back of the net eight times, a contribution that has helped to balance Lokomotiv’s attacking options. A recent transfer move saw Paris make the move from Nizhny Novgorod to Lokomotiv during the season, a signing that adds depth and different dimensions to the squad’s forward line. His contract with the railway-club runs until the summer of 2024, signaling a period of stability as the club looks to maximize the season’s results through depth and rotational options that keep players fresh for key fixtures across multiple competitions.
Dzyuba himself joined Lokomotiv in the previous season, and the relationship between player and club matured with a 1+1 contract extension that reflected a mutual commitment to continued contribution. Throughout the current season, Dzyuba has taken part in 16 league matches and four National Cup games, accumulating four goals and three assists across competitions. His experience and presence offer Lokomotiv a reliable attacking axis, capable of opening space, creating scoring chances, and transforming opportunities into goals at crucial moments. The forward’s blend of physical presence, finishing instinct, and willingness to participate in build-up play makes him a central figure in Lokomotiv’s forward strategy as the team vies for favorable positions in the standings.
As the Russian Championship unfolds, Lokomotiv sits in fourth place with 31 points, chasing leaders who currently sit at the summit with 38 points. The standings reflect a season marked by competitive fixtures, close battles, and the constant push to secure a higher finish as the campaign progresses. The club’s steady performance has kept them in contention, with crucial results building confidence in the squad’s ability to navigate a demanding schedule and optimize performance across domestic league play and cup competitions. For fans in Canada and the United States, the ongoing narrative of Lokomotiv’s season offers a lens into European football’s rhythm, where tactical adjustments, player form, and team chemistry intertwine to shape outcomes week by week.
In broader remarks about his career trajectory, Dzyuba has previously spoken about his ambitions beyond football, including aspirations related to acting. That sentiment mirrors a common thread among players who pursue diverse interests off the field, contributing to a well-rounded public persona that resonates with supporters who appreciate athletes who engage with life beyond the game. This season’s performances, alongside his candid reflections about life after sport, frame Dzyuba as a seasoned professional whose influence extends beyond the penalty box and into the wider culture surrounding the club and its fan base. [Citation: Lokomotiv official communications]