Artem Dzyuba has made headlines in the world of football, becoming the all-time leading scorer for the Russian national team after netting his 31st goal during a recent match against Grenada. The forward's momentous achievement not only surpassed Alexander Kerzhakov's longstanding record but also showcased Dzyuba's enduring talent on the international stage.
During the aforementioned match against Grenada, after being substituted, Dzyuba revealed the light-hearted exchange he had with head coach Valery Karpin. "He asked if Dzyuba wanted to play more. Dzyuba answered in the affirmative and was told 'don't be insolent' with a smile," the forward said, reflecting on the jovial moment shared with the coach, as reported by the Russian Football Union.
In addition to sharing the moment of triumph, Dzyuba expressed his gratitude to Karpin, who called him up to the national squad for the first time since 2021. The forward took to social media to thank Karpin, stating, "Thank you for your trust," although he was not included in the squad for the upcoming match against Zambia, set for March 25, 2025.
The upcoming clash against Zambia has sparked discussions among analysts and fans alike. Dmitry Sennikov, a respected football expert, believes this opponent could pose a more substantial challenge for the Russian team than Grenada. Sennikov said, "This opponent is stronger than Grenada, but we still need to win big." He notes that the outcome will greatly depend on which players arrive from Zambia, emphasizing the necessity for the Russian side to approach the game with seriousness. Furthermore, he praised Dzyuba for being in excellent form and mentioned his potential to continue breaking records.
Sennikov further highlights that matches, even against teams ranked lower, hold significance for Russian supporters, transforming into a celebration of football featuring various activities around the game. This festive atmosphere is crucial for engaging fans and enriching their experience, whether they come for the sport or the surrounding festivities. He noted, "In any case, matches against such teams are a celebration for our fans. Dzyuba has established a scoring record, and such encounters are a show for the spectators.”
As opinions vary about Dzyuba's effectiveness in the context of the current Russian squad, Yuri Zavarzin, a former general director of major football clubs, has voiced skepticism regarding his future participation. Zavarzin commented, "Karpin fulfilled someone's request to include Dzyuba in the squad, and that’s it," suggesting that the coach's decision to call Dzyuba was influenced by external pressures rather than a purely sporting decision. Zavarzin speculated that the coach may have felt bound to accommodate Dzyuba to acknowledge the record but doubted the forward's ongoing value to the team.
Despite mixed opinions about Dzyuba's place in the team moving forward, many recognize his contributions to Russian football and the legacy he is building. The forward has shown he can score in crucial matches and inspire teammates, as seen in his congratulations to debutants Kislyak and Ibishev after the game against Grenada. Moreover, Dzyuba's recent performance indicates he can still compete at a high level, having scored in three consecutive matches prior to the call-up.
The upcoming match against Zambia is a pivotal moment for Dzyuba and the team alike. With fans hoping for a strong showing, the team's composition and strategy will be under scrutiny, especially in light of Dzyuba's exclusion. Sennikov emphasized the necessity for the Russian national team to climb the ranks as a contender for the World Championship, stating, "Based on the selection of players, we could qualify, but how we would perform there remains uncertain. Official matches are entirely different goods."
As the Russian national team prepares to face Zambia, all eyes will be on how they perform without a player who has just etched his name into history. Dzyuba's record-breaking goal has added a new chapter to Russian football, raising questions about who will continue to step up and lead the team. Will Karpin turn to Dzyuba again after this historic moment, or will the current dynamics steer the team in a new direction? Football fans eagerly await the answers as this new journey unfolds for the national team.
