Nikolai Naumov, a former head of Lokomotiv, argues that the team struggled offensively in the absence of Artem Dzyuba, suggesting that the attack simply stalled without the captain leading the line. He reflects that the mood around Lokomotiv has shifted because Dzyuba has not been on the pitch, and the squad seems to lean on him when he is available. The former executive points out that the lack of a reliable target in the box leaves midfielders without a clear outlet, making quick combinations and decisive attacks harder to assemble. Ultimately, Naumov believes the team’s scoring chances dimmed when Dzyuba was not involved, allowing opponents like Wings to gain a sizable edge in the match’s balance of power. The assessment underscores how one player’s presence can ripple through the collective game plan and tempo, shaping every phase from pressing to finishing. Lokomotiv’s supporters and analysts alike have watched closely to see whether the team can regain its attacking spark without the striker or whether the system must evolve around a broader set of threats. This debate reflects broader questions about how a squad’s identity is tied to a single star and how the club can cultivate depth to avoid overreliance on any one player. Source: Championship.
In the recent clash on August 12, Lokomotiv hosted Krylya Sovetov and settled for a 1-1 draw. Artem Dzyuba did not participate in that match, a detail noted by observers who connected the result to his absence. The game showcased a moment when Lokomotiv, seeking balance in attack, found it difficult to convert chances into a decisive score, illustrating the ongoing tension between team structure and individual availability. The result added to the narrative of how Dzyuba’s presence might shift the dynamics of forward runs and finishing opportunities for teammates, even as others stepped in to try and fill the gap. Analysts highlighted the need for broader involvement in the attacking process to compensate for the striker’s absence and to sustain pressure against opponents. Source: Championship.
Artem Dziuba joined Lokomotiv in February after transferring from Adana Demirspor in Turkey. His arrival was framed as a potential turning point for the club’s offensive capabilities, bringing a proven goal threat and leadership to the forward line. Since joining, the striker has contributed to three league appearances, scoring one goal, and has added another in the domestic cup, signaling a gradual integration into Lokomotiv’s style of play. The early-season data shows that while Dziuba’s impact is measurable, the squad still navigates the challenge of productively distributing responsibilities in attack when he is not on the field. This dynamic has prompted coaches and staff to evaluate how best to synchronize movement and finishing runs across a broader group of attackers. Source: Championship.
As the new season unfolds, Dziuba’s involvement is tempered by occasional rest periods and tactical rotations. On August 8, he missed the match against Rubin, a decision that sparked discussions about load management, squad rotation, and the strategic depth needed to sustain performance across a congested schedule. In these conversations, the coaching staff emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum even when a key striker is sidelined, exploring options such as alternative playmakers, runners from wide positions, and tandem strikes that can replicate the threat Dziuba provides when fully fit. The dialogue around these decisions ties into broader themes of squad resilience and the emphasis on building a flexible attack that can adapt to varied opponents and fixtures. Source: Championship.
Former Russia national team coach noted the influence of psychology on Lokomotiv’s game, adding that mental readiness and confidence can lift a team during tough stretches. This perspective aligns with the visible moments of tension and composure in recent matches, where calm decision-making and collective pressing can shift the balance even when clinical finishing remains a work in progress. The broader takeaway is that performance is shaped not only by tactics and talent but also by the mental state of the players, the trust between teammates, and the leadership of the squad on the pitch. Source: Championship.