Former Soviet era star criticizes Real Sociedad recruit Arsen Zakharyan as integration questions loom
The comments come from Vladimir Ponomarev, a former player for the USSR national team and CSKA Moscow. He voiced strong reservations about the Russian midfielder Arsen Zakharyan and did so in remarks attributed to RIA News. Ponomarev pointed to what he sees as a persistent habit of the Spaniards to rotate their lineup, arguing that the pattern may hinder a young talent still finding his footing within a new league and a different football culture. He suggested that while Zakharyan brings youthful energy to the field, there is a risk that the player will be moved around too much, which could prevent him from developing reliable rhythm and consistency. In Ponomarev’s view, consistency is essential, particularly for a player transitioning to a high pace competition and demanding tactical system.
The discussion touched on Zakharyan’s career path and how it progressed after the move from Dynamo Moscow to Real Sociedad. Real Sociedad announced the transfer on August nineteenth, and Zakharyan signed a contract that extends through June of two thousand and twenty nine. His debut appeared in a late substitute role in a La Liga clash against Las Palmas on August twenty fifth. Across his time in the league with the Spanish club, he accumulated eighteen appearances and contributed a single assist. However, he did not complete a full match, reflecting the adjustment period for a player adjusting to a new country, league, and expectations. The experience illustrates the common trajectory for players arriving from different football ecosystems when adapting to a competitive European league, including the need to demonstrate patience from coaches and supporters during early integration.
Another milestone came in late October when Zakharyan made his Champions League debut for Real Sociedad in a match against Benfica. He entered the pitch as a substitute late in the game, with the team already ahead by a goal. Throughout this phase, Zakharyan featured in several more competitive fixtures, but critics emphasized that the output did not meet expectations for a player of his profile. The assessment highlighted the challenge of delivering immediate impact after a mid career move and the reality that European football often requires a longer acclimation period, even for players with proven talent. The broader narrative for Zakharyan underscores how European clubs balance the needs of immediate results with the longer arc of player development in a new league and system.
In the wake of these developments, former coach Romantsev reportedly expressed his views directly about Zakharyan, adding another layer to the conversation about the midfielder’s potential, pressure, and long term fit within Real Sociedad’s plans. The exchanges illuminate how veteran observers, coaches, and former players weigh the early phases of a transfer and the implications for a player whose career path has already crossed multiple major clubs and competitions. The ongoing dialogue reflects the wider reality of modern football where talent, environment, and opportunity must align for a player to reach their best level in the most demanding arenas.