Former Zenit St. Petersburg striker Artem Dzyuba has opened up about the remarkable adaptation of Brazilian midfielder Wendel following his transfer to the Russian club. The playmaker arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, and according to Dzyuba, it took about six months for the Brazilian to truly find his footing and showcase his exceptional abilities.
In a candid reflection shared during the documentary series 'Zenit Forever,' Dzyuba described how Wendel's development was a gradual process. The striker noted that while the midfielder initially needed time to adjust to the Russian league and his new environment, the transformation that followed was nothing short of spectacular.
The most striking revelation from Dzyuba centered on Wendel's extraordinary speed with the ball at his feet. The former Russian international expressed genuine amazement at how the Brazilian could cover ground faster while dribbling than many players could while running without the ball. This unique quality set Wendel apart from his peers and became a defining feature of his game at Zenit.
Dzyuba highlighted that despite Wendel's natural predisposition toward carrying extra weight, the midfielder possessed incredibly quick feet and remarkable pace. The combination of these physical attributes allowed him to rapidly cover space on the pitch, making him a formidable attacking threat for the Saint Petersburg side.
The striker's assessment of Wendel was overwhelmingly positive, describing him as a 'very strong footballer' who brought a special dynamic to Zenit's midfield. The Brazilian's ability to accelerate past defenders while maintaining close control of the ball proved to be a valuable asset for the team during his tenure in Russia.
Wendel's journey from Lisbon to Saint Petersburg represents a successful transfer story in Russian football. His adaptation period, while requiring patience from both the player and coaching staff, ultimately resulted in a player who could change the course of matches with his individual brilliance and technical prowess.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.