Somehow, I don't feel very calm before the first Conference League qualifying match against modest Greek Aris. All because of Dynamo's defensive performance. In the first two rounds of the UPL, Kyiv conceded three goals, but in general, their opponents had more chances. Dynamo's defence is not impressive at all. All four centre-backs played against Minaya and Obolon, but none of them impressed. It is very difficult to talk about the main pair of defenders. Stability in this position is a key component of the success of any team's defence.
Photo by Yuriy YurievThe problem is obvious. Head coach Mircea Lucescu even talks about it. That the club is looking for another defender. There is still time to strengthen until the end of the transfer window.
Today, there is no understanding of how to fix the problematic situation. Each of the possible options carries risks.
1. Give time.
Oleksandr Syrota has just arrived from the youth Euro. In fact, he had no rest. Christian Bilovar is playing his first season at this level. Maksym Dyachuk has a little more experience, but clearly not enough. Somehow Denis Popov will reach the level of style. Perhaps it just takes time for the main pair of defenders to play together. They have gained experience, got into the rhythm of the season and gained confidence.
Each of the four available central defenders can progress. The oldest of them is under 25 years old. The opportunities for the reserve are obvious.
2. Entering the transfer market.
The team has already prepared for the season. A new player will need time to adapt to the coach's requirements and build a team. It is unlikely that he will be ready to play well right away. In the three years of Lucescu's work, I don't really remember any of the newcomers playing for Dynamo. Especially among the legionnaires. Last autumn, Kahim Perris and Justin Lonewijk were signed on an external basis. Which of these legionnaires played and benefited the team? It was a big plus that we didn't sign a forward, because he would have simply hindered Vladyslav Vanat's development. Experience has shown that signing a foreigner does not mean solving problems.
Shakhtar are now actively inviting foreigners. No one can guarantee that they will adapt quickly and be able to play at the first team level. It's all about the future, not the present. A good, high-quality player is expensive, but he is unlikely to come to Ukraine now. Will Dynamo become stronger in defence by signing a conditional defender from Brazil, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, the Balkans? I have great doubts.
Arseniy Batagov looks interesting among Ukrainian defenders. Is the Zorya defender stronger than the existing Syrota? He has the same first pass, the ability to work with the ball, but is not very reliable in defence. At Rukh, Bohdan Slyubyk looks very promising, but he is not yet a mature player. Perhaps in a year or two he will really reach a good level, but today he is no better than Dynamo's Popov and Dyachuk.
Serhii Tyshchenko
