Yuri Kovtun, formerly a defender for Moscow Spartak, weighed in on Arsen Zakharyan’s trajectory after the young Russian midfielder moved to Real Sociedad in Spain. He argued that Zakharyan should resist the impulse to rush back to Russia simply for regular minutes. Instead, the wiser route is to stay in Spain, commit to daily training, and prove his quality in La Liga. The remarks have sparked a wider debate among scouts, coaches, and analysts about how top prospects grow when they transfer to Western Europe at a young age. The stance echoes a common belief: steady adaptation in a top-tier league can accelerate development more effectively than frequent short-term returns home. Patience, consistent training, and exposure to higher tempo and pressing intensity are seen as the pillars of a resilient, well-rounded midfielder.
After the ankle injury, questions arose about why he did not feature for Real Sociedad as soon as rehabilitation permitted. Some observers argued that a return to Russia for playing time could disrupt a longer-term plan. The recommended approach was to stay in Spain, continue physiotherapy, refine technique in training, and accumulate minutes in league or cup matches to build confidence and consistency. In this frame, Spain offers a higher level of competition, exposure to varied tactical demands, and the chance to train alongside Europe’s best forwards and midfielders. The argument is that tempo, pressing intensity, and decision-making in La Liga would prepare Zakharyan to contribute more reliably to Real Sociedad and to future moves to other major leagues. This plan aligns with the club’s long‑term vision for the player.
Following the ankle ligament injury in midsummer, Zakharyan embarked on a careful rehabilitation. With progress measured in controlled sessions, he gradually reentered full training. By late autumn, signs of improvement were visible, though match availability remained limited as he rebuilt sprint speed, ball control, and spatial awareness at the highest level. The absence of regular game time emphasized how difficult it is to regain peak form after a long layoff and highlighted the patience needed to regain timing and confidence. Real Sociedad’s environment valued not only the matches played but the quality of movement during drills and the precision of passes in practice scrimmages. Support staff stressed continuity and a deliberate return to competitive intensity.
Real Sociedad announced the signing of Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow on August 19, 2023, securing a contract through June 2029. The move marked a high‑profile European step for the youngster, who arrived in San Sebastián to join a squad competing in La Liga and European competition. He made his competitive debut for the Basque club on August 25, coming on in the 75th minute of the league match against Las Palmas. Those early minutes offered a practical introduction to a new country, language, and football culture, laying the groundwork for a longer evaluation of his fit within the squad. Observers noted the careful onboarding process, aimed at minimizing risk while testing his compatibility with the club’s pressing style and forward partnerships.
Later in the campaign, in late October, Zakharyan took part in a Champions League fixture against Benfica. Across that continental campaign the midfielder appeared in several matches but did not register notable scoring or assisting actions. The pattern suggested careful, reserve‑level involvement designed to build trust with coaches, regain rhythm, and assess how his style meshes with Real Sociedad’s pressing game, ball progression, and transition play. Analysts highlighted the value of gradual exposure to European competition, arguing it helps a player adapt to the higher tempo and different spatial timing demanded by top clubs. The approach mirrors many teams’ practice of building a young player’s confidence through measured participation rather than compressed minutes.
Over roughly six weeks, his presence in all competitions remained limited, with just two appearances across tournaments. The minutes were spread between league and cup activity, reflecting the club’s cautious approach to reintegrating a player returning from injury and adjusting to a new tactical system. For supporters in North America, including Canada, this period underscored the reality that European clubs invest in patient development for young talents, balancing medical and technical realities. Fans learned that a structured plan often values sustainable growth over rapid exposure, preserving a player’s long-term value and marketability as well as performance.
Reports by the end of the period indicated Zakharyan could begin a renewed run of involvement after an eight‑month stretch without regular minutes. The narrative described a gradual reintroduction to match conditions, with consistent training and progressively more opportunities to compete. While early progress appeared in small steps, the aim remained steady: sustain contributions in La Liga and in European competitions as he grows into a higher‑level midfielder. The club’s management emphasized continuity, leadership in the locker room, and incremental tactical responsibility that aligns with Real Sociedad’s long‑term strategy for the player. Observers note that such paths can influence future moves to even bigger leagues or roles in national team cycles, given the experience gathered in a top‑tier environment.