Yevhen Konoplyanka: “In 30 seconds I can analyze an attacking player on a 10-point scale”

The former winger of the Ukrainian national team Yevhen Konoplyanka shared how he evaluates talented players.

“I am an attacking footballer, so in 30 seconds I can evaluate such a player on how good he is on a 10-point scale. There are many other factors needed — mentality, for example, for Europe. Many want to play here, but one must be ready. We try to explain all the details to them right away, telling them that they must at least greet and ask how they are doing. Not only football moments matter.

Recently I visited “Benfica” and “Sporting”. I saw how the guys live; they are like one body — they hug each other when they go to training. Another example: My 7-year-old son trains at the main “Benfica” academy. There I saw how seven-year-old boys approach each academy staff member. A guard sits there, they come up, give a “high five”, and inquire about how he is doing. Of course, they will have support in the club. Naturally, they will be mentally prepared for all moments both on and off the field. Because they will know that even this guard will cheer for them,” Konoplyanka said.