Olga Smorodskaya, the former president of Lokomotiv, spoke warmly about the significant change in Russian midfielder Alexei Miranchuk, who has flourished at Atalanta. Her reflections were cited by Sports Express, highlighting a journey that moved from doubt to confidence and visible on-field impact.
She noted that Miranchuk faced a tough and lengthy adjustment when he arrived in Italy. He wrestled with self-doubt, a struggle rooted in psychology that often accompanies a new league, a different style of play, and the pressure to translate talent into consistent performances. He also battled injuries, both major and minor, which kept him from being a regular starter at times. This combination of doubt and physical setbacks contributed to periods when he was not included in the match lineup, a common hurdle for players adapting to a high-level Italian club. Eventually, however, those initial challenges began to ease as he found his footing, learned the language, and grew more comfortable with his teammates. Smorodskaya expressed the belief that coach Gian Piero Gasperini now recognizes Miranchuk’s true potential and talents within the system he runs at Atalanta. [Source: Sports Express]
In a recent matchup on January 7, Atalanta drew 1-1 with Roma. Miranchuk remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes and contributed an assist, underscoring his growing influence and readiness to make decisive plays late in games.
Statistically, Miranchuk has made a noticeable impact. In the previous month, he tallied two goals and four assists across seven appearances for Atalanta. Across all competitions this season, he has appeared 15 times, adding two goals and four assists to the team’s offensive output. Within Atalanta’s Serie A framework, Aruna Idrissi Lookman has led the team with a combined tally of seven goals and three assists in the same period, illustrating the blend of domestic production and Miranchuk’s rising contribution. The evolving dynamic of the squad reflects a broader shift in Atalanta’s attacking approach, leveraging Miranchuk’s versatility and linking play with teammates in and around the box. [Source: Sports Express]
Overall observations from observers suggest a satisfied assessment of Miranchuk’s trajectory. The player’s development has become a talking point about how players can mature through adaptation, language acquisition, and integration into a demanding tactical system. Smorodskaya’s remarks emphasize the value of patience and belief in a young talent who has demonstrated improved consistency and a refined understanding of his teammates’ movements, positioning, and the coach’s strategic vision. The narrative mirrors how modern clubs blend psychological resilience with technical growth to maximize a player’s contributions on the field.