Former coach of the national team Boris Ignatiev offered his assessment of the standout players from the Russian Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign. He highlighted Zenit Saint Petersburg for sustaining high quality and winning results, and he named several players who shaped the season’s narrative. The Brazilians Malcolm and Claudinho were noted for lifting the mood and driving performance on the pitch, setting the pace for Zenit’s success.
Looking at Spartak Moscow, Ignatiev pointed to Quincy Promes as a top performer who influenced many matches. He also praised the rise of Ruslan Litvinov, a young talent making waves in the league. In addition, Ignatiev mentioned prominent contributors from CSKA Moscow, including Ivan Oblyakov and Fedor Chalov, as players who demonstrated consistency and impact throughout the season.
During the 2022/23 campaign, Zenit clinched the Russian Championship with a strong run that culminated in securing the title in the 26th round following a victory over Spartak. Sergei Semak’s squad finished the season with an impressive record of 20 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses, amassing 66 points. With the title secured, Zenit prepared for further fixtures against Sochi and Fakel Voronezh in the remaining matches of the campaign.
In the standings, CSKA Moscow finished second with 54 points and prepared for games against Krasnodar and Rostov. Spartak Moscow occupied third place on 53 points, with two rounds left to play; their remaining schedule featured matches against Nizhny Novgorod and Wings of the Soviets. The final league table reflected the depth and competitiveness of Russian football, highlighting how several clubs battled for European places and domestic glory.
Beyond the on-field drama, the Russian football landscape also faced administrative and regulatory moments that influenced club operations. A notable development involved the decision by the International Football Federation to extend the authorization for foreign players to suspend their contracts with Russian clubs. This move affected squad planning, player mobility, and financial considerations across the league. The effects were felt by clubs, players, and fans alike as teams navigated new rules and market dynamics. [Attribution: FIFA policy update; league commentary]
Throughout the season, observers noted a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent driving teams forward. Zenit’s strategic choices, Spartak’s youthful breakthroughs, and CSKA’s experienced core all contributed to a highly engaging title race. The blend of international players and local talents shaped a distinctive style across the league, with coaches adapting tactics to maximize strengths in attack and solidity at the back. Fans witnessed moments of individual brilliance, game-changing substitutions, and tight contests that underscored the league’s competitiveness. [Attribution: league summaries and match reports]
As the campaign drew to a close, analysts emphasized the importance of continued development in domestic talent and the strategic use of foreign players within regulatory guidelines. The 2022/23 season demonstrated how Russian clubs balance ambitious goals with the realities of squad management, player movement, and financial discipline. For supporters, the season offered memorable performances, close contests, and a clear demonstration of how top teams maintained momentum across a demanding schedule. [Attribution: season overview and expert commentary]