Arsen Zakharyan is stuck in a sporting maze at Real Sociedad. The Russian attacking midfielder, signed as a major prospect, has played just three minutes in the entire current league campaign.
What has happened to Zakharyan?
The situation of Arsen Zakharyan is starting to take on slightly dramatic tones in the txuri urdin environment. The player has only three token minutes on the pitch, registered on the opening matchday against Real Betis. Since then, he has been on the bench for four consecutive games and didn't even get on the pitch in the last match against Espanyol. This fact provoked a visible gesture of frustration from the footballer towards the bench, aimed at coach Pellegrino Matarazzo.
Why isn't Zakharyan playing?
Competition in the team's creative zone has intensified. Players like Luka Sucic and young academy wingers have surpassed Zakharyan in Matarazzo's considerations. The German coach has prioritized tactical commitment, intensity, and discipline over raw individual talent in his lineups. With Real Sociedad sitting ninth in LaLiga, with seven points from two wins, one draw, and two losses, the margin for experimentation is slim. The team has scored six goals but conceded eight, leaving a negative goal difference of -2. They are five points behind the leaders, Barcelona.
What is Zakharyan's future in San Sebastián?
The patience of the fans at Anoeta with the Russian international is wearing thin. The great expectation generated by his arrival from Dynamo Moscow years ago has been fading season after season. Now, Zakharyan risks becoming a completely secondary player if he does not show positive rebellion on the pitch. His ability to adapt to the physical and tactical demands of Spanish football will be decisive. Fans can follow the squad's evolution on our squad page.
What's next for Real Sociedad?
The schedule offers no respite. The next challenge is a high-voltage one: hosting Atlético de Madrid this Sunday, September 13th at the Reale Arena. The Colchoneros arrive in San Sebastián occupying seventh place in the table. This key match, which can be checked on our fixtures calendar, represents an opportunity for the team to straighten out its irregular start. A win against a direct rival would be a huge boost for morale and for the standings, which can be viewed at standings. Real Sociedad needs points and collective performance, a context where every player must be at 100%.
