In the wake of Artem Dzyuba scoring another goal and solidifying his status as the leading goal-scorer in the history of the Russian national football team, discussions are brewing about the potential successors to his remarkable record. The current tally of 31 goals puts Dzyuba at the forefront, surpassing the previous record held by Aleksandr Kerzhakov, who managed to net 30 goals during his tenure.
On March 21, 2025, Dzyuba showcased his scoring prowess by finding the back of the net in a friendly match against Grenada, leading the Russian team to a resounding 5-0 victory. This impressive feat has captured the attention of football enthusiasts and pundits alike, sparking conversations about the future of Russian football.
Georgy Cherdantsev, a commentator for Match TV, expressed his belief that young stars Konstantin Tyukavin from Dynamo Moscow and Aleksey Batrakov from Lokomotiv have the potential to challenge Dzyuba’s record in the coming years. Cherdantsev stated, "Dzyuba, Kerzhakov, and Beschetnykh scored in much more difficult conditions. Now we are disqualified, playing with Brunei and Grenada. Scoring against them is easier than against European teams. However, a goal is a goal, no matter who scores it." This statement underscored the current landscape of international football where opportunity plays a critical role in player performance.
Both Tyukavin and Batrakov have made their marks on the national team, each scoring in their budding careers. At just 19 years old, Batrakov is already contributing to the squad, while 22-year-old Tyukavin is recognized for his scoring ability, even though his recovery from a serious knee injury may affect his performance moving forward.
Igor Semshov, a former player for the Russian national team, shares a positive outlook on the young talents, asserting that their careers are just beginning: "Tyukavin and Batrakov have a chance to break Dzyuba's record, but that will take a minimum of 10 years," according to RB Sport. This sentiment reflects the belief that while the young players have significant potential, they must also endure the tests of time and performance consistency to reach similar heights.
Looking ahead, the Russian national team is poised to face Zambia in another friendly match on March 25, 2025, which will provide additional opportunities for the younger striker duo to demonstrate their capabilities on the pitch. The match will take place in Moscow, offering the youth a chance to perform in front of their home crowd.
As for Dzyuba, his record serves as a challenging benchmark, yet it is seen as an attainable height in light of current footballing environments, especially considering the flexibility within international competition structures. Cherdantsev elaborated, "The bar of 30 goals is more achievable for contemporary footballers than it was for those who began in the 90s." This argument reflects a shift in the competitive landscape, identifying that with the right conditions and matches, records might be more frequently challenged.
With increasing interest in Russian football, particularly surrounding the young talents of Tyukavin and Batrakov, the narrative continues to evolve, making it a thrilling time for fans. As they gear up for the upcoming match against Zambia, the discussions around who will one day take up Dzyuba's mantle only grow more vibrant and compelling.
While each goal scored by these young players may not yet echo the legendary status of Dzyuba, each opportunity they gain on the field is a step towards carving their place in the annals of Russian football history. With time and experience, it is hoped that they will rise to the challenge and bring a renewed sense of excitement and success to the national team.
This anticipation for what lies ahead for the national team keeps fans eager, as the next matches could define the future stars of Russian football and whether they have what it takes to rewrite the record books.
