Former head coach Valery Gladilin, known for his work with Moscow Spartak and the Russian national team, recently shared his reflections on the standout players from the just-concluded Russian Premier League season. The veteran coach highlighted several names who left a strong impression across the competition.
In his view, the midfield line from Zenit Saint Petersburg delivered the most striking performances. Malcolm and Claudinho stood out as consistent contributors for the club, while Eduard Spersyan, a promising player from Krasnodar’s ranks, earned special mention for his potential and early impact on the field. Gladilin pointed to Malcolm as the most brilliant performer of the Zenit squad, noting his ability to influence games and set a high tempo for the team. Claudinho, he observed, showed moments of exceptional talent, particularly in key fixtures where his creativity and attacking instincts shone through. As for Spersyan, Gladilin emphasized the young player’s appealing demeanor and his ongoing development, suggesting that with continued hard work he could rise to become a top-tier footballer.
Zenit Saint Petersburg clinched the league title with four rounds remaining, signaling a dominant campaign and a confident finish to the season. The standings before the final round showed CSKA occupying second place, Spartak in third, and Rostov in fourth, shaping a competitive chase for European qualification and domestic pride as the schedule drew to a close.
Looking ahead to the upcoming RPL season, Gladilin offered thoughts on what Dynamo Moscow needs to do to perform strongly. He discussed strategic adjustments, squad depth considerations, and the importance of cultivating young talent while ensuring a stable tactical foundation. His perspective underscored the ongoing balance clubs must strike between building for the future and delivering results in a demanding league schedule. (citation: analysis summary, Gladilin interview)