Oleksandr Hlyvynskyi: "The national team needs Yarmolenko. It looks like Rebrov is depriving himself of additional trump cards"

Former press secretary of the Ukrainian national team Oleksandr Hlyvynskyi reacted to the absence of Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko from the list of players called up for the October matches of the Ukrainian national team in the League of Nations (against Georgia and the Czech Republic).

"Andriy Yarmolenko's non-call-up to the national team for the October matches was quite expected to cause a public outcry. Expected, because the longtime leader and captain of the Blue and Yellows had not participated in the National Team's matches until now only because of injury. But this time, the reason is not the injury: head coach Serhii Rebrov "placed" the record holder for the number of matches played in the first team on the reserve list - for the first time in Yarmolenko's career - and may, of course, call him back, because the reserve is for this purpose. But for now, Rebrov has given preference to other players.

Given all of the above, I felt the need to share my opinion.

I believe that the national team needs Yarmolenko. Previous matches have shown that young players who have been entrusted with the role of leaders do not lead the team forward - they lack skill and charisma.

Yes, now Andriy lacks physical stamina and his speed is not what it used to be, but when Yarmola comes on the field, there is always a chance that he will create a scoring chance. Is this chance higher when Zubkov comes on as a substitute - in terms of position? The previous matches of the national team do not give such confidence. I agree that Hutsulyak deserves a challenge with his performance in the UPL, but why is Zubkov preferred over Yarmolenko? Because of his age?

It looks like Rebrov is depriving himself of additional trump cards: Yarmolenko is a real team leader, his role in the team is very important. The September matches in the League of Nations showed that the national team needs a "reconstruction", but does the coach start from that "end", giving up one of the leaders - yes, age-related, but which of the younger ones - not yet "leaders" - can match Yarmolenko in skill? I don't recall any brilliant dribbles with an accurate finish from the September matches.

Also, as I understand it, Andrii learned about the non-call-up from the Internet, which is at least unpleasant: players like the long-term leader and captain of the Ukrainian national team deserve to hear about the coach's decision in person. Andriy has done a lot for the national team to avoid learning about the reserve list from the Internet.

I believe that Yarmolenko will still bring benefits to the National Team.

Andriy, I'm with you!

Hold on!" Hlyvynskyi wrote on his Facebook page.