Former Spartak head coach Raul Riancho offered his assessment of the path Arsen Zakharyan might take to secure a regular spot in Real Sociedad’s midfield as they compete in La Liga. Speaking to RB Sports, Riancho outlined a clear road map for the young Russian talent, emphasizing hard work and steady development across multiple facets of the game.
Riancho stressed that Zakharyan must apply himself in every training session to earn a starting position at Sociedad. He urged the midfielder to continue refining his football craft, focusing on technical precision, physical conditioning, tactical understanding, and the psychological resilience required at the top level. A key component of his advice was conquering the fear of making mistakes, a barrier that can hinder performance in a highly demanding league like Spain’s. By approaching training with consistency and composure, Zakharyan could translate potential into consistent first-team opportunities.
Last season, Zakharyan appeared in 24 Russian Premier League fixtures, contributing four goals and seven assists as Dynamo Moscow navigated a campaign that concluded with a ninth-place finish. Those numbers underscored his potential as a playmaker who can influence games, create chances, and contribute to team balance from multiple attacking positions.
Real Sociedad confirmed on August 19 that Zakharyan had transferred from Dynamo Moscow, with a contract spanning through June 2029. He made his debut for the Basque club later that month, entering the match in the 75th minute against Las Palmas on August 25, signaling the club’s intent to integrate the young talent into the squad and assess his impact in La Liga play.
Further information from Real Sociedad’s communications team indicated that Zakharyan’s absence from a recent training session was due to illness, not a disciplinary issue or strategic adjustment. This update helped frame the early period of his adjustment to a new league and squad, highlighting the natural adjustment period that accompanies such a move and the importance of recovery to maintain momentum in training and match readiness.
As Zakharyan settles into Spanish football, observers expect him to leverage his experience in Russian top flight football, bringing a blend of pace, vision, and technical tissue that can complement Sociedad’s evolving attacking setup. The club’s coaching staff appears committed to nurturing his development, with a focus on translating the confidence he showed in Dynamo into sustained contributions within a structured La Liga environment. For supporters, the early signs point toward a promising chapter in a career that has already featured a notable ascent through junior and senior levels in Russia while drawing interest from top European clubs interested in his creative potential.
Strategists note that Real Sociedad’s project emphasizes possession-based patterns, quick interchanges, and a high press that engages midfielders in both ball progression and defensive duties. Zakharyan’s adaptability to these demands—balancing warmth on the ball with disciplined pressing off it—will shape his ability to earn consistent minutes. In time, his growth could see him becoming a central thread in Sociedad’s approach, offering incursions from wide areas or central corridors and providing the kind of late-arriving runs that unlock compact defensive blocks. The path ahead will require dedication to tactical study, language and cultural adaptation, and the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level in a demanding league known for its technical quality and strategic depth.