Vlastimil Petrzhela, the former Zenit head coach, weighs in on Spartak’s forward lineup, arguing that Alexander Sobolev trails behind Mateo Cassierra in overall effectiveness. He suggests Sobolev shows promise, yet heoften battles discipline issues that limit his growth into a premier striker. According to Petrzhela, Sobolev lacks the consistency and psychological steadiness required to sustain peak performances across an entire season, which can hold him back from reaching elite levels of play.
Petrzhela’s assessment stands in contrast to Cassierra, who is seen as a more reliable and decisive presence up front. The former coach emphasizes that Sobolev has notable talent, but consistency in training and on matchdays remains a key hurdle. This perspective highlights the broader debate about what separates a talented forward from a consistently top-tier attacker in a highly competitive league.
On October 18, journalist Ivan Karpov reported developments within Spartak further impacting Sobolev’s role. Head coach Guillermo Abascal reportedly suspended the striker from team training due to disciplinary concerns. Despite the suspension, Sobolev has continued to be involved with the team in recent days as he has remained available for national team duties. His interactions with the media this season have been limited, with a notable shift in his public communications from earlier periods.
In terms of on-field output this season, Sobolev has appeared in 11 Russian Premier League matches, contributing two goals and three assists. His recent performance in the Russian Cup against Krasnodar featured a missed penalty that ended after two touches, a moment that drew attention to his finishing consistency under pressure. This incident has been weighed in the broader discussion about his current form and potential for growth.
Earlier, Yuri Semin highlighted a Russian footballer who could be a contender for a major personal award, underscoring the ongoing conversation around talent and recognition in the domestic game. The dialogue surrounding Sobolev reflects broader questions about how players transition from raw potential to sustained excellence within the Russian football landscape and the expectations placed on forwards in top clubs.