Former Ukraine national team player Oleh Shelayev has shared his thoughts on the list of players called up by national team coach Serhiy Rebrov for the matches of the Euro 2024 qualification play-off round.
Oleg Shelaev- First of all, it should be noted that this is the choice of the head coach, who is responsible for the result. Although, perhaps, there will be experts who will have questions on some positions. For me, however, this list was expected. After all, it has long been obvious that Taras Stepanenko will not be able to help due to an injury, that he will have to look for a replacement. Another thing is Viktor Tsygankov, who injured his knee in the last round of the Spanish championship in the match between Girona and Osasuna. His absence will affect the attacking potential of the main team of the country, he co-operated well with his teammate Artem Dovbyk.
However, I do not believe that the loss of Stepanenko and Tsygankov will be decisive, although they will add to Serhiy Rebrov's headache. I am convinced that the coach will opt for the players who will minimise the absence of the injured. Much will depend on what tactical schemes will be adopted, it will depend on who will play on the right flank of midfield: Oleksandr Zubkov or Oleksandr Karavaev, and on the position of support - Serhiy Sidorchuk or Volodymyr Brazhko. After all, there are other options.
In my opinion, the Ukrainians are still favourites to face the Balkans, but they just need to show their best qualities," Shelayev said.
The match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine will be held in Zenica on 21 March.
