A significant tactical vulnerability has been exposed in the defensive setup of CSKA Moscow, according to prominent Russian football commentator Gennady Orlov. His analysis, delivered on the airwaves of Radio Zenit, centers on a fundamental physical attribute that the army club's backline appears to lack: height.
Orlov's critique was direct and specific. He pointed to the fact that most of CSKA's central defenders are relatively short by the standards of top-level professional football. This physical deficit, he argued, was cruelly exposed in a recent match where opposing defender Diveev was able to score with a header. The implication is clear: CSKA's defense is susceptible to aerial threats, a critical flaw in a league where set-pieces and crosses are vital attacking weapons.
The commentator singled out one exception within the squad. He noted that defender Danilov possesses the requisite height, but stressed that relying on a single player to win aerial duels is insufficient. A robust defensive unit requires multiple players capable of challenging for high balls, and CSKA currently lacks this depth in their central defensive options. This creates a predictable weakness that opposing coaches can target with tactical drills focused on wide play and set-piece delivery.
This defensive concern comes at a crucial juncture in the season. CSKA currently occupies sixth place in the MIR Russian Premier League standings for the 2025/2026 campaign. After 28 rounds of fixtures, the team has accumulated 45 points. While this position keeps them in contention for European qualification spots, it also highlights a gap between them and the league's elite.
The current league leaders, FC Krasnodar, have built a commanding lead at the summit with 63 points. The 18-point chasm between the top spot and CSKA's sixth place underscores the consistency and quality required to challenge for the title. Defensive solidity is a cornerstone of any championship-winning side, and Orlov's observations suggest CSKA's current defensive personnel may not be equipped for that level of sustained challenge.
Historically, CSKA Moscow has been renowned for its disciplined and physically imposing defensive units. Teams of the past were built on a foundation of strong, commanding center-backs who could dominate their penalty area. The current situation, as described by Orlov, represents a departure from that tradition and raises questions about the club's recruitment strategy and youth development in that specific position.
The implications for the remainder of the season are significant. Opposing analysts will undoubtedly take note of this perceived weakness. We can expect to see teams employ more direct tactics against CSKA, utilizing tall forwards and instructing wingers to deliver early crosses into the box. Set-pieces, both corners and free-kicks in wide areas, will become even more potent weapons when facing the Moscow side.
For CSKA's coaching staff, the challenge is twofold. In the short term, they must devise tactical solutions to mitigate this height disadvantage. This could involve more aggressive zonal marking, improved communication to ensure second-ball recovery, or instructing midfielders to provide additional aerial support. In the longer term, the club may need to consider the transfer market for a physically dominant central defender who can immediately address this imbalance.
The commentary from a figure of Orlov's stature carries weight in Russian football circles. His analysis is not merely a passing observation but a pointed critique that puts public pressure on the club's management to acknowledge and address the issue. It serves as a wake-up call that their defensive frailties are not just a matter of form, but potentially a structural issue within the squad.
As the season enters its final phase, with European places and league positioning on the line, CSKA cannot afford to be vulnerable in such a fundamental aspect of the game. The ability to defend crosses and set-pieces is non-negotiable at the highest level. Whether they can find an internal solution or must look externally, addressing this height deficit will be critical to their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.
