Igor Yegorov, a former FIFA official with a keen eye for movement and mindset, has highlighted Artem Dziuba’s strong form as a sign of Lokomotiv’s sharp attacking phase. He notes that every club president brings a distinct plan and a personal read on how the squad should function. In Lokomotiv’s case, based in Nizhny Novgorod, the approach has been unmistakably clear and purposeful. Yegorov admits he suspected Dziuba might feel frustrated by the timing, but his initial assumptions proved off the mark. Now, as Dziuba hits his stride, the veteran observer believes the striker has earned a central role in the team and is proving his critics wrong. Dziuba’s performance, according to Yegorov, shows not only talent but a robust professional resolve that many players chase but few reach at this stage of their careers. The assessment comes from someone who has watched the game up close and understands how a player’s confidence can translate into tangible on-pitch results.
Dziuba’s journey back to the Russian Premier League has been unconventional. He hadn’t appeared in the top division since the previous season ended. In February, he signed a six-month deal with Lokomotiv after a stint with Adana Demirspor in Turkey that lasted only a few months. This moment marked a new chapter for him, offering a chance to showcase his abilities on a prominent stage once again. His move to Lokomotiv was interpreted by many as a fresh start, with the expectation that he would contribute immediately to the club’s attacking options.
Since returning to top-flight competition, Dziuba’s numbers reflect a player who understands his role and fits well within the team’s tactical framework. He has posted six goals and four assists across six league appearances, a tally that highlights his finishing ability and his knack for creating opportunities for teammates. In the most recent match against Orenburg, Dziuba added another notable line to his record with an assist hat-trick—an unusual feat that underscored his value in Lokomotiv’s attacking play. Observers and analysts have pointed to his movement, spatial awareness, and willingness to press high as key elements of his influence during games.
Among veterans and pundits, conversations about Dziuba’s overall impact continue. Vyacheslav Koloskov, a long-time figure in Russian football, has stated that Artem does not simply aim to pad a scoring column. He suggested that Dziuba’s overall contribution and utility do not yet mirror the immediate dominance seen in some top forwards, such as Zenit’s leading players, who draw attention for different reasons. The dialogue around Dziuba emphasizes a nuanced view: while he may not deliver the same level of consistent supremacy as Zenit’s top forwards, his work rate, leadership, and capacity to influence play remain valuable to Lokomotiv’s balance. The discussion reinforces the idea that football success is rarely measured by a single metric and that a forward who can score, participate in buildup, and press can be a vital asset across a season.
In examining the broader context, one sees a club that values a multifaceted forward who can shape games through intelligent movement, quick combinations, and solid pressing without losing the creative edge needed to finish chances. Lokomotiv’s tactical setup benefits when a striker like Dziuba can stretch defenses, hold the ball under pressure, and link with dynamic wingers and midfield creators. The evolving dynamic suggests that the team is building an attacking identity that balances individual brilliance with collective discipline. Critics may still compare Dziuba to the peak performances of Zenit’s stars, but supporters point to the concrete gains in Lokomotiv’s attacking metrics and the way his presence improves teammates’ decision-making on the field. This layered assessment mirrors how modern football measures value: through a blend of goals, assists, off-ball work, and the ability to influence the tempo of play over a long season, not just a few spectacular moments.