Former CSKA striker Valery Masalitin has criticized the transfer of Paraguayan midfielder Jesus Medina from the army club to Spartak Moscow, weighing in on the decision with a blunt assessment that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. The remarks, relayed by Euro-Football.Ru, reflect a broader question about how players adjust when moving between rival teams and how managers plan a player’s role within a new system.
Medina himself has publicly stated a preference about where he wants to operate on the field. He indicated that the left flank was not his desired position, and his recent move prompted Spartak to deploy him in roles across the midfield, including support duties on both the left and the right. This arrangement has led to speculation about how his skill set translates to different tactical responsibilities and whether the transfer was motivated by a longer-term plan or immediate financial considerations.
Observations from Masalitin suggest that Medina has not yet found a consistent foothold at Spartak. If a player is not utilized in his strongest position, getting into the flow of a match becomes challenging. Questions were raised about Medina’s potential as a defensive midfielder when he is not consistently involved in the build-up or in ball recovery, with Masalitin implying that Medina’s natural fit would be further forward in attack where his creativity can influence the tempo of play.
Medina joined Spartak during the summer transfer window, leaving CSKA after a notable stint in the Russian Premier League. In his final season with the army club, he appeared in 25 league matches, recorded eight goals, and contributed six assists, underscoring his goal-scoring instincts and his ability to create opportunities for teammates. Such statistics often intensify expectations when a player makes a switch to a competitive rival, as supporters look for a similar impact with the new club.
In his early days with Spartak, Medina made a debut against Rubin Kazan, marking the moment with a goal shortly after coming on as a substitute. Across his first few league appearances for Spartak, the Paraguayan forward has shown flashes of speed, technique, and finishing ability that suggest he can become a decisive factor in the club’s attacking plans. The question remains how the coaching staff will balance his role with the existing lineup and what kind of responsibility is placed on him in the build-up play and pressing schemes.
Spartak’s previous captain offered an open reflection on Medina’s move from CSKA, noting the surprise elements involved in the transfer and the potential implications for team chemistry. The evolving dynamic between the two Moscow giants continues to draw attention as fans and pundits assess how Medina’s arrival reshapes the forward options, the depth of the midfield, and the overall tactical balance of the team across domestic competitions and European aspirations.