Vladimir Ponomarev, a former CSKA Moscow defender, weighed in on Fedor Chalov’s prospects to compete at a higher level in Europe. Ponomarev stressed the need for fresh options in attack and pointed to the importance of players who can stretch the field and create chances for others. He argued that the team needs quick wingers and a clear plan for how the attack should operate in modern football.
According to Ponomarev, Chalov tends to finish scoring opportunities from rebounds or penalties, but he has not demonstrated the ability to consistently forge his own chances or influence the buildup play on a regular basis. The former defender suggested that Chalov lacks a truly defining striker’s presence that can unlock defenses through intelligent movement and link play. He cautioned that if Chalov does not secure a renewal of his CSKA contract, his market value could rise, complicating any potential move. In Ponomarev’s view, Chalov would face substantial adaptation challenges in Europe, while CSKA Moscow would be able to navigate the situation with less immediate pressure.
Chalov’s current deal with CSKA runs through December 2024. The forward is a product of the Moscow club, having joined the academy in 2006. A decade later he broke into the first team and immediately established himself as a prolific scorer, culminating in the 2018/19 season with 15 league goals, making him the top scorer in the Russian Premier League. His development included an overseas loan experience with Basel in Switzerland during the 2022 season, where he made 14 appearances and found the back of the net four times.
During the most recent Russian Premier League campaign, Chalov featured in all 18 league matches, contributing eight goals and three assists while continuing to be a central figure for his club. His scoring record in domestic competition has kept him in the spotlight as a potential target for European teams seeking a proven finish in high-pressure situations.
Meanwhile, Semak has commented in the past on issues facing Russian players, including those at Zenit, highlighting the broader context of how domestic talent is perceived and the pathways available for players aiming to compete abroad. The conversation around Chalov is part of a larger discussion about the readiness of Russian strikers to adapt to different tactical systems, the pace and physicality of European leagues, and the expectations for creative contribution beyond simply finishing opportunities. The debate centers on whether Chalov can evolve into a more versatile forward capable of initiating attacks, linking with teammates, and producing chances from build-up play or off-ball movement. These are the kinds of attributes that European clubs often seek when evaluating strikers for more demanding leagues.