Alexander Gorbunov, known for his work coaching Dynamo Barnaul’s youth and for guiding Spartak forward Alexander Sobolev at the start of Sobolev’s professional journey, shared his assessment of the young striker as the new Russian Premier League season gathers momentum. His insights come as Sobolev begins to find his footing in top-tier football and as Spartak navigates the early rounds of the campaign.
Gorbunov stated that Sobolev has established himself as Spartak’s standout performer at this stage. He noted that the forward exudes self-assurance, has earned a regular spot in the starting eleven, and when Sobolev is in peak form, the whole team tends to click in unison. The coach emphasized that confidence on the field translates into the team’s overall performance and results.
Is Sobolev in peak physical condition right now? Gorbunov offered a cautious assessment, noting that the form is still developing. Only four rounds have been completed, and the player, like the squad, is still honing consistency. Gorbunov believes Sobolev and the Spartak camp will continue to build as the season unfolds, aiming to elevate their level as they push deeper into the schedule.
In the match on August 6, Guillermo Abascal’s team secured a 2-0 victory in Yekaterinburg, with Quincy Promes and Mikhail Ignatov scoring in the first half. Sobolev contributed to both goals, once again proving his value to the side by providing crucial involvement in attacking moves. So far this season, the forward has appeared in four league fixtures, recording one goal and two assists, underscoring his growing influence in front of goal and as a creator.
After four rounds of the RPL, Spartak had accumulated 10 points, sharing the summit of the table with CSKA. Looking ahead, the next fixture places Spartak against Sochi, a match that could further shape the early-season standings and keep Sobolev in the spotlight as a key contributor for the team.
Before Sobolev’s recent surge, there was a period when he missed the fourth-round encounter of the Russian Premier League against Ural, a moment that sparked discussion about recovery and selection decisions. The experience appears to have served as a turning point, with Sobolev showing resilience and readiness to impact the squad’s results as the season progresses, a narrative that fans and analysts are watching closely.