The well-known Ukrainian coach and expert Oleg Fedorchuk shared his thoughts on the reason for the transfer of Dynamo Kyiv defender Ilya Zabarny to the English Bournemouth, named candidates for his replacement and described the qualities that will help the Ukrainian to gain a foothold in the EPL club.
Oleg FedorchukWhy does "Bournemouth" need Ilya Zabarny?
— This club is currently in big trouble and is one of the candidates for relegation from the Premier League. We see that Bournemouth have missed the most in the English Championship this season. They really need a defensive lineman. But will Zabarny be able to help? He is very young for our league, and even more so for the Premier League. I believe that this transfer is an investment. After all, the prices for players from Eastern Europe are an order of magnitude lower. Therefore, the factor of perspective is more influential here. This transfer will pay off in the future.
Bournemouth is our Ingulets. England is thinking about the future. Even if Zabarny's club is relegated, the Championship is not a bad championship, where teams also earn money. Analyzing the squad, you can understand that Zabarny will be the most expensive Bournemouth player in history.
— Can it be said that Zabarny has progressed in the last six months?
— I believe that Ilya is a unique case in our Ukrainian football. After all, the player hardly played and skipped the youth teams. From U-19, he immediately got into the adult national team. Over three seasons, Zabarnyi played approximately 80 matches and almost a third of them were for the national team of Ukraine. Uniquely.
I think it's a coincidence. After all, at that time, the main central defenders were injured in Dynamo, and Zabarny took advantage of this chance. Of course, there is progress. In particular, the Ukrainian added in the promotion of the ball and the organization of attacks. These are essential qualities for a modern defender. Also, I believe that his price is driven by youth and prospects. And most of all, "Bournemouth" bribed his psychological stability. This means that his further development and career can be predicted.
— What will help Zabarny to prove himself in the Premier League?
— Psychological stability, physical data, because his height is close to ideal for a central defender. I would also note his dexterity. At such a height, he has a well-developed speed.
— What does "Dynamo" lose with the departure of Zabarny?
— I think that Ilya is not a key figure in the construction of Dynamo's game. He is important, but not a leader. There will be problems, but they were there when Zabarny was already playing for Kyiv. Central defenders in Dynamo are unstable at the moment. Everyone has their own problems to work on.
But from this transfer, we can get the motivation of young players. "Dynamo" very rarely released someone at a young age to other clubs. I can say that this transfer opens the door to other clubs for all players. After all, football players will understand that in the event of a successful game, they will be able to get into a better team. Zabarny's path is an example for young players, because it appeared quickly and unexpectedly. You should never give up, because a chance always appears and you should use it.
I see many advantages in this transition. "Dynamo" can now strengthen. I think that the biggest problem of Kyiv was the attack. For this money, Dynamo will probably be able to sign a striker who will allow the team to balance the game.
— Who will be the main candidate to replace Zabarny?
— Popov and Sirota are a good pair of defenders. Denis was planned as a key player, but he prevented himself from becoming one, but Popov is young and there is still time. In the second half of the season, I expect a better game from him, because during the break he will calm down and show his maximum capabilities. But Popov and Sirota need a third party.
Burda is experienced, but injuries hamper him a lot and the big question is whether he can psychologically overcome these setbacks. Of course, it is difficult for him, but before the summer he will be given a chance.
I really like the young defender Anton Bol. I believe that he is not inferior to Zabarny. This case with the sale of Zabarny emphasizes that it is worth paying attention to youth squads. After the failure with Tsyhankov, the management of "Dynamo" can follow the path of "Ajax", "Partizan" and "Dynamo (Zagreb). The main goal of these clubs is to sell young players for big money. And after the transfer of Zabarny, the club can change its policy.
- Zabarny is a record sale of "Dynamo". A player worth £25m?
- Of course not. Even Transfermarkt, if I'm not mistaken, estimated it at 10 million less. But there are several reasons why the English overpaid.
First: English clubs have no problems with money, in their league the prices are abnormally high, the opportunities of the clubs are such that practically every player is overpaid. Second: "Bournemouth" was in dire need of a defender, this is a problematic position, a pronounced deficiency in the team's composition and play. Third, this deal happened almost at the deadline of the transfer window, which significantly increased the amount. However, it is a contribution to the future. A football player is a resource. It is clear that Bournemouth overpaid, but these are certain market characteristics.
It is also worth considering that Ukraine is currently the most popular country in the world. Many refugees who were forced to move to other countries. Perhaps, due to this factor, Ukrainian football players are also more willing to be bought. Something similar happened with Georgians or Croats in Germany when there were a lot of them.
Artem Zhilinskyi
