Lokomotiv Moscow’s defenseman Nair Tiknizyan recently shared insights from a candid interview, revealing a humorous yet telling habit of his teammate Artem Dzyuba. According to Tiknizyan, Dzyuba often preferred to be the first to leave the training base once sessions ended, a routine that caught the attention of teammates and staff alike. The forward would wrap up the day quickly, and within roughly ninety seconds after training finished, the gates would open and Dzyuba would depart in his Mercedes, accompanied by a personal driver. Tiknizyan noted that this behavior could be seen as either commendable dedication or a preference for solitude, depending on one’s perspective. He added that Dzyuba is someone who is always ready to push forward, which sometimes means staying on the base and not rushing to heal or rest, a testament to his relentless work ethic and readiness to contribute on match day. – said Tiknizyan.
Artem Dzyuba joined Lokomotiv in the previous season and subsequently extended his contract under a 1+1 arrangement, reinforcing the club’s commitment to the striker’s presence and impact. This move gave both player and club flexibility while underlining the mutual interest in a stable viewing of Dzyuba’s influence on the squad and its tactics. The arrangement reflected Lokomotiv’s strategic approach to roster management in a highly competitive league environment, where leadership and goal-scoring punch are in high demand.
During the current season, Dzyuba has stepped onto the field 16 times in the Russian Premier League, contributing four goals and three assists in league play and cup competitions. The season has also seen him sharing the responsibility of the team’s top scorer with Izidor and Miranchuk, despite having only half a season to influence the tally. This distribution of scoring highlights the depth and versatility Lokomotiv can rely on, as the squad continues to balance leadership, experience, and young talent in pursuit of success on multiple fronts.
By the midpoint of the Russian Premier League, Lokomotiv sat in the upper portion of the table, recording 31 points and occupying fourth position. The club’s performance reflected a period of solid consistency, driven by disciplined defending, efficient forward play, and a willingness to press opponents aggressively when opportunities arose. The blend of veteran leadership and emerging contributors provided a stabilizing force for the team as the season progressed.
As the league entered the winter hiatus, attention turns to the resumption in March, with the 19th round set to begin on the 3rd. Lokomotiv’s next fixture pits them against Dinamo Moscow, a clash expected to test the team’s resilience after the break and set the tone for the remainder of the campaign. The upcoming match will be watched carefully by fans and analysts who expect Lokomotiv to carry the momentum built in the opening months into the second half of the season, leveraging Dzyuba’s experience and the squad’s evolving chemistry to secure important points.
In earlier remarks, Tiknizyan also mentioned a lighter, almost ritual-like detail about Dzyuba’s approach, noting that the striker apparently needs only about 15 seconds in the shower before resuming his routine. Such anecdotes, while humorous, illustrate the human side of professional footballers who manage intense training schedules and high expectations while maintaining a steady, focused mindset. The behind-the-scenes glimpses offered by Tiknizyan provide a window into the daily life of a squad striving for consistency, victory, and the development of a cohesive team culture that supports every player’s readiness and confidence on match day. (Source: Sports24 interview)