Well-known Ukrainian journalist Artem Frankov told us what he thinks about Andriy Yarmolenko's return to Dynamo Kyiv, which was officially announced yesterday.
Artem Frankov- In your opinion, is Yarmolenko's transfer the right decision by the club and the player?
- It is difficult for me to say about Yarmolenko's motives. The fact is that from a material point of view, coming to Dynamo cannot be compared to his period in Europe and the East.
As for the opportunity to play and finish at the club that gave you a ticket to life, it is clear that before Kyiv, Andriy had a stage in his hometown of Chernihiv, and Dynamo is not his first club. We should also not forget about the patriotic motive: after all, he wanted to play a little bit at home.
It's hard to say why Yarmolenko is coming to Ukraine now, and not to some calmer and better-paid championship. Only the man himself can tell you how beneficial, right, and vital it is for him. I can only be glad that such a player has returned to Ukraine.
- At his age, can Yarmolenko help Dynamo not only in the UPL but also in European competitions?
- In any case, he is a legend for Dynamo. However, I would like it to be the Yarmolenko of West Ham, not the Yarmolenko of Al Ain. Of course, I want Yarmolenko to be as strong as possible, to feel as comfortable as possible and demonstrate the highest level, not something in between.
- Will he be used as a right winger, or are there any surprises?
- I think that the position that is now vacated by Tsygankov will just wait for Yarmolenko.
- Voloshin and Lednev are knocking on the door of the first team. There are also legionnaires Benito and Perris. Is Yarmolenko's arrival the end for them or can they develop in other positions?
- Of course, no. Firstly, Benito, for example, is not our student, so I am much less interested in his fate than others. As for the younger players, there is a place for them on the pitch. The fact is that Dynamo has problems in attack, which could lead to Yarmolenko being used as a striker. There will be enough positions on the pitch for everyone.
- Doesn't this return remind you of the time when Shevchenko arrived at Dynamo after Milan and Chelsea?
- It reminds me not only of Shevchenko's return after Milan and Chelsea, but also of Rebrov's return after Tottenham and West Ham. In any case, it's good when our guys come back. And it's bad when they interfere. I hope that it will have only a positive effect when the older generation acts as mentors and wise teachers in the locker room.
I really hope that Andriy Yarmolenko, who I think is a very positive person, will only help Dynamo's young players in this regard.
- Is Dynamo Yarmolenko's last club?
- I think so.
Artem Zhylinskyi
