Posted by on Jun 5, 2012 in Articles, Ukraine | 0 comments

Goalkeepers

Maxym Koval (Dynamo Kyiv) – Koval has all the attributes to be a top goalkeeper, but for now he is understudy to Oleksandr Shovkovskiy at Dynamo. One for the future.

Andriy Pyatov (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Reliable, good under pressure and since the spring back in the Shakhtar side. Most capped of the three and has Champions League experience.

Oleksandr Goryainov (Metalist Kharkiv) – Veteran helped Metalist to six consecutive bronze medals; limited to few international appearances though and his best days are behind him.

Defenders

Yevhen Selin (Vorskla Poltava) – Influential left-sided defender who likes to get forward. Has really progressed and was one of the best full-backs in Ukraine this season.

Yevhen Khacheridi (Dynamo Kyiv) – Talented centre-back and a commanding figure in defence. Heart can rule head on occasion, however, and sometimes he lacks discipline.

Oleksandr Kucher (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Reliable, versatile defender who deputised in place of the injured Dmytro Chygrynskiy this season. Kucher played in the 2009 Uefa Cup final.

Vyacheslav Shevchuk (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Veteran left-back enjoyed a fine campaign at Shakhtar. Offers experience and is not only solid defensively, but also a threat going forward.

Taras Mykhalyk (Dynamo Kyiv) – Good, strong centre-back and a real leader when he is fit. Injuries have restricted Mykhalyk to just a handful of appearances this season.

Yaroslav Rakitskiy (Shakhtar Donetsk) – Tough and uncompromising, Rakitskiy is blossoming into an excellent defender; he also has a ferocious left-footed shot in his armoury.

Bohdan Butko (Shakhtar Donetsk) – The youngest outfield player in the squad. Butko is a quick, attack-minded right-back who is also capable of operating further forward.

Midfielders

Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (Bayern Munich) – A key figure. Strong and tireless performer in the holding role who reads the game well. A fine passer of the ball with a fierce shot.

Denys Garmash (Dynamo Kyiv) - Central midfielder with big potential. Is good defensively and going forward, but can lack discipline and is another one for the future.

Oleksandr Aliyev (Dynamo Kyiv) – Talented, albeit temperamental attack-minded midfielder with a knack for scoring spectacular long-range goals. Is a danger from set-pieces.

Oleh Gusev (Dynamo Kyiv) – An energetic and experienced right-sided player who can also operate in defence or on the left. A reliable figure to have in the squad.

Andriy Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kyiv) – Striker-turned-winger able to play on either flank. A key player at Dynamo, scored 12 league goals and has a big future ahead of him.

Ruslan Rotan (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk) – Rotan is an industrious central midfielder. He has been a consistent performer and leader at Dnipro, and brings experience to the squad.

Serhiy Nazarenko (Tavriya Simferopol) – One of the old heads in the squad. Dependable, attacking midfielder scores as many as he creates; his long-range shots pose a threat.

Yevhen Konoplyanka (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk) – Quick, versatile and technically gifted attacker who is a danger cutting in from the left on to his right foot. One to keep an eye out for.

Forwards

Andriy Shevchenko (Dynamo Kyiv) – Not the Shevchenko of old but a lack of pace compensated by intelligence, movement and awareness. Presence in the squad hugely beneficial.

Andriy Voronin (Dinamo Moscow) – Had a good season in Russia. Not a prolific scorer, but creates chances for others and has much experience. Recently lost the ponytail.

Artem Milevskiy (Dynamo Kyiv) – A strong, talented player with a volatile streak that has held him back. Has been largely a season to forget for a player capable of more.

Yevhen Seleznyov (Shakhtar Donetsk) – A powerful striker and top scorer in Ukraine two years running, but Seleznyov is yet to make a similar impression at international level.

Marko Dević (Shakhtar Donetsk) - Dević can play centrally or wide and his dribbling skills suit Ukraine’s counterattacking style. Has recently joined Shakhtar from Metalist.