Former Russian international and Lokomotiv forward Ruslan Pimenov has voiced strong criticism of Spartak defender Alexis Duarte, suggesting that Duarte does not possess the attributes needed to succeed in his current role. He described Duarte as a risky signing and labeled the transfer a miscalculation for Spartak. Pimenov argued that the player is in the team because there are no better options for that position, implying a shortage of viable alternatives within the squad. He added that Duarte’s physical profile appears insufficient for top-tier duties, noting that the defender might struggle against physically imposing forwards. In Pimenov’s view, the team’s defensive issues are closely tied to Duarte’s performance and selection, portraying the player as a central factor in recent misfortunes for Spartak. This commentary reflects ongoing debate about the club’s defensive setup and recruitment choices. — attributed to a contemporary football analyst’s remarks.
Alexis Duarte joined Spartak in January 2023 and has appeared in 14 matches this season without scoring. His adaptation to the Russian Premier League has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits, especially given Spartak’s expectations for a solid defensive line. Duarte’s role within the squad has come under scrutiny as part of a broader assessment of Spartak’s defensive structure and overall performance on the pitch. The transfer’s reception in Moscow has been mixed, with some supporters questioning whether the player fits the tactical demands of the league and the club’s strategic plans. — reference: ongoing club evaluation commentary.
Spartak currently sits on 24 points after 15 rounds of the Russian Premier League (RPL), sharing sixth place with Lokomotiv. The red-and-white secured a 2-1 victory over Rostov in the most recent league match, with goals from Mikhail Ignatov and Quincy Promes contributing to the win. The team’s recent form has kept them in the hunt for a higher finish, though critics continue to scrutinize the defensive setup and individual performances, including Duarte’s contributions in recent fixtures. The league schedule has paused for national team duties, with the next fixture on the horizon against Spartak Baltika set for November 25. — recap of the club’s current standing and upcoming schedule.
A Spartak legend previously explained the reasoning behind choosing the captain to bench duty, highlighting the nuanced decisions managers face when balancing experience, form, and tactical needs. The discussion underscores how leadership roles and rotation plans can influence matchday lineups, even for a club with a storied history. This context adds to the broader conversation about how Spartak approaches squad management, player development, and the evaluation of defense options as the season progresses. — contextual note on club leadership decisions.