Yuriy Gavrilov sees Roman Zobnin as Spartak's stronger leader

Former Spartak player Yuriy Gavrilov believes captain Roman Zobnin currently has a more prominent leadership role in the team than Esequiel Barco.

In an October 9 comment to Sport-Express, Gavrilov welcomed Zobnin's decision to remain at the club. He said the midfielder's departure would have left the team worse off and highlighted the captain's good relationship with his teammates.

Zobnin joined Spartak from Moscow's Dynamo in June 2016. He has won the Russian league title, Russian Cup and Russian Super Cup with the club. Spartak extended his contract in December 2025, keeping him under agreement until summer 2027.

The midfielder's role grew after Juan Carlos Carcedo became head coach in January 2026. Zobnin reached 300 appearances for Spartak in the spring. His milestone match took place against Rostov on April 12, ending 1-1, with the captain scoring.