Petersburg’s Brazilian footballer known as Zenith Malcolm has spoken about his surge in form this season, insisting that Artem Dzyuba’s exit from Zenit did not influence his personal improvement or the team’s trajectory. He credits his development to routine work, confidence gained through regular game time, and a growing belief in his own abilities after training and competing at the highest level. The Brazilian added that Zenit’s success this year feels earned from collective effort rather than the absence of a single striker. These remarks were reported by Fontanka.
Malcolm emphasized that Dzyuba was a key contributor during his time with Zenit, noting the club’s trophy haul and goal tally while the Russian forward was part of the squad. Yet, he maintained that the club’s championship achievements stood on the strength of the entire squad and the tactical setup rather than on any individual player leaving the club. The forward’s departure, according to Malcolm, did not derail Zenit’s championship bid or their ability to adapt and compete at a high level. Fontanka confirmed these sentiments.
Reflecting on the dynamic, the player recalled that even when Dzyuba shared the pitch with him in the prior season, it helped Malcolm to elevate his performance. With that foundation, the current season unfolded with greater clarity and a wider display of his capabilities, underscoring a personal breakthrough that the player is pleased to have showcased. Fontanka provided the source for these reflections.
On May 25, events took another turn as Dzyuba and Lokomotiv Moscow formalized a one-plus-one contract arrangement. Earlier in February, the striker had signed a six-month deal with Lokomotiv after a stint with Adana Demirspor in Turkey, a move that lasted only a few months. This series of transfers marked a period of transition for the veteran striker and the clubs involved. Fontanka tracked these movements and confirmed the contract details.
Since returning to the Russian Premier League, Dzyuba has accumulated eight goals and five assists across ten appearances, highlighting his continued effectiveness and impact on the competition. The statistics illustrate that, despite changing clubs, his production remained notable as he sought to contribute in a new environment. Fontanka documented these figures and the surrounding context.
Malcolm’s trajectory includes a recent highlight from Zenit’s title-winning season in 2022/23, when he was part of a squad that secured the championship. He also earned recognition as a leading scorer within the Russian Premier League, recording a tally of 23 goals in that campaign. This success elevated his profile and showcased his scoring prowess in what has been a demanding league. Fontanka summarized these career milestones.
Among conversations from the Russian football community, it has been shared that a former Lokomotiv midfielder, Daniil Kulikov, suggested that Dzyuba engaged in light-hearted banter at times, a detail that adds depth to the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the squad. Such anecdotes help paint a fuller picture of the relationships and atmosphere that influence team performance. Fontanka reported this impression from Kulikov, adding context to the broader narrative around Dzyuba’s career moves.