Yuri Vernidub: «Even when I worked in Belarus, I said: «Yakhshiboev could be one of the best in Dynamo or Shakhtar», '

— Yuri Nikolayevich, tell us, what do you remember about Yakhshiboev during your joint work?

— I first saw him in Belarus when I was working at Shakhtar from Soligorsk. At that time, Yakhshiboev was playing for Energetik-BGU. There were three Uzbeks there: him, Umarov, who is also now at Ordabasy, and Iminov. And they were all top! I even thought: where do they find them? The Uzbek school is very high quality.

As a result, we took Yakhshiboev. He is a very talented guy with good technique, speed, and field vision. I would also note his left foot. He can execute all set pieces and takes good shots during play.

— Right now, Yakhshiboev is among the leaders in the goalscoring race of the Kazakhstan championship, having scored nine goals and provided three assists for Ordabasy.

— It means that Yakhshiboev has returned and has become the Yakhshiboev who was in Belarus and a small period at Sheriff. As I said, he is a very talented guy. I have not seen anyone more talented throughout my entire career! He has everything for modern football. Only one problem remained — with motivation. If Jasur improves this, he will become a top footballer.

— To what level can he rise?

— He can be the best footballer in any league. A person has everything — technique, shot, pass, speed, understanding of football.

— Could he play in the Ukrainian championship?

— 100%! When I was still in Belarus, I told the coaches: «If Yakhshiboev wanted, he could play either at Shakhtar or at Dynamo, and he would be one of the best there» (according to media, Dynamo was interested in Yakhshiboev, — note ed.).

— An inviting compatriot Artem Besedin plays as a forward at Ordabasy. How would you compare him with Yakhshiboev?

— Not to offend Besedin, but Yakhshiboev is on a completely different level and profile of a footballer. If we compare with Ukrainians, then Yakhshiboev has slightly less speed than Mudryk, but in terms of understanding and vision of football, he is much higher than Mykhailo. Yakhshiboev is a great talent! He feels every moment. If God gave Mudryk the understanding of Yakhshiboev’s game, he would have no equals.

I am very happy for Yakhshiboev, I will watch his progress with interest. I am very glad that Jasur reconsidered his approach and started scoring again. Yes, so far in Kazakhstan, but if he does not stop, he will move to a better league, I have no doubt about it.

Andrei Piskun