Many people accepted Arsen Zakharyan’s transfer to Real Sociedad skeptical. A strong club from a top championship, crazy competition. It seemed that the Russian had little chance of playing there. However, we can already say that the fears were not confirmed. Arsen has become an important element in the team and makes a significant contribution to the results.
It would be worth fearing for Zakharyan’s fate if his coach didn’t trust him. But Imanol Alguacil regularly substituted him from the first matches, even in important games with an uncertain outcome. Over the course of several months in Spain, Arsene played against Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, and also held several meetings in the Champions League.
The coaching staff tried the Russian in different positions – trying to find the optimal role and gradually increase playing time. Zakharyan began to appear on the field more often from the first minutes, which was also facilitated by the injury of Ander Barrenechea. However, even without this circumstance, the ex-Dynamo player gradually won his place in the lineup. There was only one problem left – the lack of effective actions.
Spanish Football Championship09 December 2023 • start at 20:30Finished
VillarrealSpain0 : 3< img src="/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/515e07d8afb9d5ef516e03d2abf7f475.png" />Real SociedadSpain
38' • Mikel Merino (Takefusa Kubo)
41' • Martin Zubimendi (Arsen Zakharyan )
45' • Takefusa Kubo (Mikel Merino)
View all goals
Attacking footballers are expected to produce goals and assists, and it is these statistics that determine usefulness in the minds of most fans. Zakharyan made a pre-goal pass from the corner in the match with Almeria, and took part in the scoring combination in the cup match with the sixth division team. However, there was no way to enter myself into the protocol – the match with Villarreal was a breakthrough.
Arsene started the match on the left side of midfield and did not look his best. Most of Real Sociedad's attacks were carried out through the right flank, where Takefusa Kubo was active. Zakharyan rarely received the ball and had no opportunities to aggravate the situation. Although in general the whole team did little.
Paradoxically, Sociedad managed to turn the game around after losing one of the leaders – Brais Mendes injured his hand and left the field. The club from San Sebastian unleashed a hail of attacks on the home team's goal, and Zakharyan took an active part in them. Naval quickly produced results.
At first, however, the partners managed without the help of the Russian midfielder. Kubo made an accurate delivery from the corner, Mikel Merino headed it in and put the team ahead. The next Japanese corner decided to play with Arsen. A quick combination, the Russian hits powerfully from the corner of the penalty area, and Martin Subimendi puts his foot under the ball and sends it into the net. There is a Russian's first assist in Spain!
A few minutes later, Zakharyan alone put pressure on the Villarreal central defender, forced him to make a mistake and intercepted the ball. The partners brought Kubo to the goal in two passes, who brought the score to a devastating 3:0 in favor of Sociedad just before the break.
Such a difference made the second half a mere formality. The hosts were eager to come back and had several good opportunities to reduce the gap. However, the feeling of confidence in the final victory did not leave the Basque club. “Real Sociedad” “dried up” the game and calmly finished the match.
Neither Zakharyan nor his front line partners shone on the field in the second half, this was no longer necessary. They did a great job in the first half, giving the team a result. An important milestone in Arsen's career. Now he is one of the players on whom the team's attack depends.
In less than four months, the Russian has gone from a talented newcomer to a first-team player who contributes to victories. There is confidence that Zakharyan will not stop there. He will show by his own example that the dream of a top championship is quite feasible. You just have to work hard and go towards it, no matter what.
Recent Comments