Former Ukraine midfielder Yevhen Levchenko shared his thoughts on the situation with the Blue and Yellows' midfielders ahead of the Euro 2024 play-off qualifying match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Do you think Rebrov has called up the best midfielders?
- At the moment, given the injuries to Stepanenko and Yarmolenko, yes. We have high-quality players in the midfield. I think that the leading player in this position is Heorhiy Sudakov. He has extended his contract with Shakhtar, but I would like to see him in the European Championship. There are many examples of Ukrainian players outgrowing the UPL and not being let go, and I hope this will not happen to Sudakov.
- In which club or championship do you see Sudakov?
- I am positive about Shakhtar's sales strategy. The money for which they sell their players is great. But I want this step to be not as high as Mudryk's at once, and not to have to step over the steps that are needed for the development of a footballer. Moving from Shakhtar to Chelsea is a huge step. Mudryk has already outgrown the Ukrainian championship, but is not fully ripe for the Premier League.
The ideal transfers would be Tsygankov and Dovbyk's move to Girona. The chance to play in such a team is much greater, and our guys prove it.
- So, you mean that Sudakov should first go to a mid-table team in the top championships or to a mid-league giant like Benfica and PSV?
- Yes. I believe that if you go to PSV or Benfica, it will be easier to get used to it. The Portuguese and Dutch championships are higher than the UPL, but lower than the Premier League, where you need to come as a fully prepared player.
At Chelsea, Mudryk's adaptation is not going as well as we would like, although this player has enormous potential. Great achievements are expected from him in every game, and this is a lot of pressure. I would not want Sudakov to move to a major top-flight team and immediately get lost. We need a more adequate perception of our outgoing transfers.
- There is so much talk about Sudakov, but he scored only three goals and provided one assist in 14 matches. Rather weak statistics for a player of his position, don't you think?
- I don't measure a player's level only in goals and assists. He does a lot of work and understands football well. Sudakov's game against Barcelona showed that he easily fits into high-level matches. I think he can play in the top championships, but everything will depend on many factors, from communication to mentality. I hope that Sudakov will move to a team where he can adapt quickly, like Tsygankov and Dovbyk.
- Shakhtar didn't sell Sudakov to Napoli for 40 million and set a clause of 150 million. How much do you value him at?
- This is very subjective. You are worth as much as you are paid for. But I'm surprised to see such figures in our media about Sudakov's clause. I think it's better to stretch the transfer fee over a longer period or fix a percentage of the resale rather than put up such an incredible clause. Let's be honest, few clubs in the world can afford it.
"Shakhtar sold Mudryk for 70+30 million and we all applauded him, but it's hard for me to say whether Sudakov is worth that kind of money.
- Tsygankov was injured in the match against Girona, but should be back in time for the match against Bosnia.
- "Viktor has developed very well at Girona, he is in his prime. His character, like Dovbyka, helps Girona stay afloat. The amount of work they do deserves respect. Looking at Tsygankov, you realise that such players need to leave the UPL earlier.
Players who overstay their welcome develop anti-motivation, illness, and injuries. I think Tsygankov overstayed his welcome at Dynamo, but at Girona he is playing great football and is in his place.
- Has Tsygankov already outgrown the level of Girona?
- Much will depend on what happens at Girona after the season. If there is a massive sale of players, the head coach leaves, then Tsygankov will also need to look for a better option.
If this project continues and there are more serious investments, then he can stay. From a sporting point of view, Girona is now at the top level, despite the recent not-so-good results. But I am sure that Tsygankov has the potential to play higher.
- There is talk in Spain that Michel will take over at Barcelona next season. If he invites Tsygankov with him, will Viktor be ready for the Blaugrana?
- It's hard to say whether Tsygankov is ready for Barcelona and whether Barcelona is ready for him. But Viktor has the opportunity to progress.
- If Tsygankov, God forbid, doesn't recover in time for the national team match, Zubkov will most likely take his place on the right in midfield. What do you think of him?
- Zubkov has made incredible progress recently. With a little bit of cheek and filigree plays, he moves nicely from right to left and to the centre. In addition, he does not shy away from menial work, taking over the game and shooting on goal. He should help our national team.
- How serious is the loss of Stepanenko for the national team?
- This is a huge loss. Stepanenko is a boulder. He not only acts as a breakwater, but also unites the team thanks to his experience. Players like him and Yarmolenko are very important, even if they don't play much. Their role in the Ukrainian team is underestimated. Generational change is important, but it's too early to write Stepanenko off. He will still help us.
- Who do you think will replace Stepanenko in the national team in the match against Bosnia? Sydorchuk or Brazhko?
- I like the way Brazhko plays, but Sydorchuk has a lot of experience. I think the coach will give preference to experience. Therefore, I assume that Sydorchuk will play in the support area.
- What do you think of Malinowski?
- Knowing what Ruslan is capable of, and remembering his best years at Atalanta, it's hard to talk about him now. Sometimes he scores good goals at Genoa, as he did before, but there are questions about his game. It seems to me that Malinowski is not fully revealing himself at Genoa.
Ruslan can do a certain amount of work, he has a fantastic left-footed shot, but I'm not sure that he will be able to fit into this particular Ukrainian national team from the first minutes. In any case, it will be up to Rebrov to decide.
I don't think Genoa is his team, nor is Marseille. Malinowski needs to look for a club where he can unleash his best qualities, like Atalanta. So far, we don't see the old Malinowski.
- Zinchenko was Arsenal's main player before his injury. How important is he for the national team?
- Zinchenko is the core player of our national team. Sanya is incredibly important in terms of the atmosphere in the locker room and team spirit. He communicates with the coach, players and fans, being the team leader. In addition, Zinchenko understands Rebrov's philosophy and clearly knows what the head coach expects from him.
Zinchenko may not be a key player at Arsenal, but he consistently fulfils his functions and Arteta's requirements. Sanya knows how to compensate for his shortcomings. He is an absolute professional and never stops in his development. He should play in our national team all the time, if his physical condition allows.
- At Arsenal, Kivior is now playing in Zinchenko's place, and he is getting good press. Will Zinchenko be able to push him out of the side?
- It will be very difficult. At the moment, Kivior is doing a great job. We, the Ukrainians, want Zina to play, but the decision will be made by Arteta.
- Mudryk scored a great goal against Newcastle. Will this be an impetus for his consistent play?
- Mudryk is having a very difficult time adapting to Chelsea. He shouldn't have made such a big move from Shakhtar, but found a more modest team where he could play all the time. With such a price tag, a lot is expected of him and he needs to come to this position as an established player.
You can see that Mudryk has an incredible charge and is very motivated, but at the same time he had some problems with understanding the game. This is true for all of Chelsea's football, so I wouldn't put it all on Mudryk.
He has phenomenal speed and tackling, but there are certain difficulties with tactical formations that need to be improved. It's great that he scored against Newcastle, it will help him psychologically.
- Do Shaparenko, Pikhalenko, Hutsulyak have a chance to play against Bosnia, or did Rebrov call them up for the depth of the squad?
- I think it was more for depth, to make them feel that they are part of the team. It's great that Pikhalonok and Hutsulyak are in the national team. It shows that Rebrov is looking towards Dnipro-1.
As for Shaparenko, I have always been impressed with him. I hope that after the injury he will reach his level. I believe he should move to the European Championship as soon as possible, where he will develop. This will benefit the national team. I want to see him in the match against Bosnia, maybe not from the first minutes, but at least as a substitute. Shaparenko is a very talented player with a good IQ.
- Do you think Yarmolenko should have been called up to the national team if not for his injury?
- Yarmolenko would definitely have been useful to the national team, as well as Stepanenko. These players are the backbone and hold a certain brand. Such players should be called up as long as they are physically fit, and mentally and psychologically they are very strong. They are important for the young guys in our team and can pass on their experience to them. But if the coach sees that they are not physically ready, then we need to have a serious talk and say goodbye.
Andrii Piskun