Gennady Golubin, adviser to Arsen Zakharyan, the Russian football talent at Real Sociedad, discussed the challenges of helping the young forward settle into life in Spain. His remarks were summarized under the heading Championship, highlighting the learning curve that accompanies a high-profile move.
According to Golubin, Zakharyan arrived in a vastly different world on several fronts. Mentally, he faced a new cultural landscape; footballing routines were unfamiliar; and the language barrier presented its own hurdles. Only a handful of teammates spoke English, while the rest communicated in Spanish. To complicate matters, the player contracted Covid during the early days of his transition. These factors combined to create a period of adjustment marked by daily obstacles. In Spain, the rhythms and expectations differed from what he had known, and living off-base required a new routine. Yet there is a sense now that Zakharyan has built confidence and found his footing in a new environment.
The competition within the squad is intense, with a notable rivalry involving Mendes and other teammates. The reality is tough: Real Sociedad has a strong cast, including four players who represent the Spanish national team. The club excels at pressing and controlling play even when out of possession, a hallmark of their La Liga identity. The manager observed that Arsen has never trained so hard in the gym, underscoring the commitment required to reach the required level in this league [Citation: Manager’s assessment].
Zakharyan joined Real Sociedad from Dynamo Moscow in August, signing a five-year contract as part of a long-term project. In the most recent league fixture against Villarreal, he contributed with an assist, illustrating his potential to influence key moments in matches. This early contribution hints at the impact he can have as he adjusts to the tempo and physicality of Spanish football [Citation: Club match report].
Real Sociedad currently sits sixth in La Liga, boasting 29 points as they progress through the season. The coming game sees Zakharyan and his teammates facing Betis of Seville on their home turf. The match is scheduled for December 17, with kick-off at 18:15 Moscow time, a reminder of the cross-border excitement that accompanies a transfer of this scale [Citation: Scheduling notice].
Commentary on the broader landscape notes that a Russia-to-La Liga pathway is increasingly plausible. Analysts have pointed to qualities that could translate well in Spain, including technical skill, adaptability, and a willingness to learn in a top-tier environment. The evolving narrative around Zakharyan emphasizes not just talent, but the resilience required to thrive abroad and contribute meaningfully to a club aiming for continental contention [Citation: Expert analysis].