Vladimir Bystrov, a former participant for Spartak Moscow and Zenit, weighs in on Arsen Zakharyan, Real Sociedad’s Russian midfielder, urging him to seize the minutes granted by the coach and prove his value. Bystrov’s remarks were captured by Match TV, emphasizing the need for proactive effort on the pitch.
He argued that Zakharyan must take advantage of every opportunity and push to demonstrate his capabilities. In the recent clash with Mallorca, he noted, the Russian talent was quiet for a substantial portion of the game. Bystrov remarked that Zakharyan should push himself harder to earn consistent playing time, suggesting that the situation should be escalated to ensure clear progress and development for the midfielder.
On October 24, Zakharyan made his Champions League bow with Real Sociedad, coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute of the match against Benfica as the team led 1-0. The introduction into a high-stakes European fixture marked a significant moment in his early tenure with the club, signaling the coaches’ willingness to integrate him gradually into key competitive platforms (source: club match report, attribution: Real Sociedad communications or equivalent press outlet).
Real Sociedad had announced the transfer of Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow on August 19, with a contract extending through June 2029. He made his La Liga debut for the Spanish side in the 75th minute of the August 25 match versus Las Palmas. Across five league appearances for the club, he has mostly appeared as a substitute, with no goals scored in those outings, reflecting a period of acclimatization to a new league and tactical system. This pattern highlights the balancing act between immediate impact and long-term development that the coaching staff appears to be managing for him (source: club announcement and match records, attribution: Real Sociedad communications).
Earlier, officials connected with the team or its management expressed optimism about Zakharyan’s integration, underscoring the expectation that the midfielder would contribute to the squad’s ambitions in European competition and domestic play. The comments conveyed a belief that his adaptation would unfold with time, consistency, and targeted training, aligning with the club’s strategic plan for integrating young talent into a competitive, top-tier lineup (source: internal club communications, attribution: Real Sociedad leadership statements). This context helps readers understand the broader trajectory of the player’s early weeks in a new footballing environment, where patience from both players and supporters often accompanies a measured progression toward more prominent roles (citation: team press materials).