An expert explains why Artem Dzyuba is needed by Almaty's "Kairat."

In light of the sensational news that 36-year-old Russian national team footballer Artem Dzyuba is of interest to the management of Almaty's FC Kairat, a correspondent from Caravan.kz called Rostov sports journalist Roland L'yanov to understand how this player could benefit the champions of Kazakhstan.

— On February 23, in an interview, the chairman of the supervisory board of FC Kairat, Kairat Boranbaev, stated that the team is waiting for Artem Dzyuba. The footballer's father declined to comment on the possible transfer, while Artem's current team, FC Akron, announced that Dzyuba is focused on Akron's objectives and that there have been no negotiations with Kairat. What do you think, how likely is this transfer?

— I believe that if the owner has brought up this topic, there is probably some truth to it. In the best-case scenario, this transfer might happen during the Russian off-season, especially since Artem's contract with Akron runs until the summer of 2025. It could look something like this: Dzyuba finishes the championship at the end of May with Tolyatti's Akron, and by early June, when the off-season begins in Russia, some business negotiations might start.

— In your opinion, how useful would Dzyuba be for Kairat considering that the team is set to start in the Champions League this summer, based on the kind of performance Dzyuba is currently showcasing in the Russian championship?

— Honestly, I must admit, I do not follow Kairat's performances and haven't seen how the team plays. However, I know Artem Dzyuba's personality and playing form very well. From my perspective, he is currently in very good shape. He finished the first half of the Russian championship, which ended in early December, in a solid fighting form for his age. Nevertheless, we must not forget that on August 22, 2025, Artem will turn 37 years old, which is the first point. Secondly, even in his younger years, Dzyuba could hardly be called a speedy player; speed is not really his strong suit. Dzyuba is a typical example of a target forward who uses his physique to battle in the penalty area and is adept at playing with his head. He knows how to finish attacks and can act as an assistant, which is also very important. The only thing that is difficult for me to assess is how much Kairat lacks such a role and what formation Kairat employs. But let’s remember how Artem shone brightest in the Rostov team 11 years ago. Back in the 2014 season, Rostov won the Russian Cup for the first time in its history, and Artem scored the most goals. More than 18 goals that season was a record he didn't surpass in any other club, including St. Petersburg's Zenit. In that championship, the entire team played for Dzyuba, and he executed set pieces brilliantly. If Kairat has a player who can deliver a precise pass into the penalty area, and if there is a player in Kairat who can play “under Dzyuba”, I believe he would be very, very beneficial.

— The playing qualities are more or less clear, but what about his, so to speak, reputation?

— Artem Dzyuba is still a charismatic personality; he is a very energetic person and passionate. You see, despite his age, he has not exhausted his personal and playing energy, which is also important. Before last off-season, after leaving Moscow's Lokomotiv, many speculated about where he would go: whether to Turkey or another Russian club, but he joined the newly promoted Premier League team Akron, which had never played in the Premier League before. Interestingly, when Akron came to Rostov-on-Don, they won 2:0, and one of the goals, ironically for Valery Karpin and Rostov fans, was scored by Artem Dzyuba. So, in a good way, he is that kind of fierce player in the game. Additionally, we should consider that Artem is a charismatic figure; he is used to being a leader both on and off the field—in the locker room. If Kairat already has its leader, for instance, then to avoid conflict, it might take some time for two leaders to coexist in one locker room. This is crucial, especially if there is a significant age difference: say, if Kairat's current leader is 25 and someone comes in who is over 10 years older. And one more thing I would note: regardless of what anyone says or writes about Artem Dzyuba, I can say that, as a sports journalist, I found it very comfortable to work with him. If he senses the professionalism of journalists writing about football, and those who are not looking for sensationalism or gossip, or wanting to discuss his personal life or fragments of his scandalous biography, then I have hardly met a better interlocutor than Artem. He always provides competent information and comments, and despite his accolades and age, he does not suffer from a superiority complex.

— Considering that Kairat will face the Champions League this summer, and God willing, the Almaty team will reach the main round (the group stage), will Artem Dzyuba be competitive compared to opponents from European clubs?

— Artem has good international experience. If you remember, he was the captain of the Russian national team at the 2018 World Cup. Now, given his experience, he will play an invaluable role. And if he has not only a professional but also a personal rapport with Kairat's head coach, he will motivate and tune the team to give their all. Looking at him, no one will slack off, so to speak, in the Champions League or in the matches of the national championship of Kazakhstan.