Former Zenit midfielder Alexei Igonin gave tactical guidance to the blue-whites on how to curb Artem Dziuba in a head-to-head clash.
He noted that stopping Dziuba on the move is exceptionally difficult, so the focus must shift to the whole team’s defensive coordination and the way the line defends as a unit.
The key is to prevent dangerous passes reaching Dziuba, particularly those from wide areas where he thrives. The emphasis, Igonin explained, should be on tracking the ball’s delivery to Dziuba and reading the play’s development to seal the gaps early. It’s about recognizing the setup, anticipating the moment, and solving the problem as a collective.
Zenit and Lokomotiv are set to meet on the upcoming Sunday, a match that promises to test this defensive approach.
It is noted that Dziuba has not appeared in the Russian Premier League since the previous season. In February, he joined Lokomotiv on a six-month contract. Prior to that, he spent a brief spell with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, remaining there for only a short period.
Since returning to the Russian top flight, Dziuba has been prolific, tallying six goals in four appearances. He delivered a hat-trick against Rostov and followed up with a brace against Paris Nizhny Novgorod in the season’s final round, underscoring his continuing impact in domestic football.
There had been speculation from former player Dmitry Sennikov about potential career moves for Dziuba, with Zenit, Spartak, or CSKA cited as possible destinations in the right circumstances.