Dmitri Alekseyevich Tarasov born 18 March 1987 is a Russian footballer who plays as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder.
Career
Club
Tarasov began his career at FC Spartak Moscow, then joined FC Tom Tomsk". On 2 February 2009, FC Moscow signed the attacking midfielder on a free transfer. On 28 December 2009, Lokomotiv announced his signing.
During Lokomotiv period of his career, Tarasov established himself as holding midfielder. His authority as a starting XI player was confirmed during winter mid-season 2012-13 when he was named vice-captain. On 20 April 2013, Tarasov took captain's armband for the first time in away game versus FC Kuban Krasnodar (0-0). Later Tarasov won monthly polls among Loko fans in the social networks for best player of the month in April 2013 and September 2013.
On 30 June 2019, he left Lokomotiv after his contract expired.
On 18 February 2020, he signed with Rubin Kazan until the end of the 2019–20 season. On 21 February 2020 he broke his calf bone in a training session and wasn't expected to be able to play for Rubin for the duration of the contract. However, 2019–20 Russian Premier League season was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia and Tarasov recovered and made his debut for Rubin on 5 July 2020 in a game against FC Orenburg. On 28 July 2020, he extended his Rubin contract until the end of 2020. On 17 December 2020 Rubin announced he will leave the club when his contract expires.
He started the 2021–22 season with Russian Football National League club FC Veles Moscow. On 19 October 2021, he left Veles and paused his professional career to spend more life with his family.
International
Tarasov was a member of the Russian Under 21 national team. In October 2009, he was called up to the Russia national football team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. He was called up again by Fabio Capello to the national team for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and against Azerbaijan in October 2012. He made his debut for the national team on 15 November 2013 in a friendly game against Serbia. He scored his first national team goal on 19 November 2013 in a friendly against South Korea.
