In fact, there is a lot in common between Oleksandr Pikhaliunok and Viktor Tsyhankov. Both were born in 1997. Both were considered great talents in the systems of "Shakhtar" and "Dynamo". Both are very injury-prone.
Viktor Tsyhankov and Oleksandr PikhaliunokIn the current season, Pikhaliunok has played 6 matches for "Dynamo" in the UPL. Tsyhankov played those same 6 matches in La Liga for "Girona". Tsyhankov has one goal, while Pikhaliunok has two. Oleksandr last took the field on October 3 in a match against "Hoffenheim" in the Europa League. Viktor last played on October 2 against "Feyenoord" in the Champions League.
The injury history of Pikhaliunok and Tsyhankov is extensive. "Dynamo" once tried to build a team around Viktor, but nothing substantial came of it. Tsyhankov missed a lot. Any excess load— that's it, he can no longer play. He missed Euro-2020/21 and Euro-2024 because he just didn't have the strength after the club season. Now Girona is facing this issue. Seemingly talented, seemingly showing class, but at any moment he can break down and will definitely miss a fair number of matches in the season due to injuries.
Perhaps that’s why "Shakhtar" refused to keep Pikhaliunok as a first-team player, because he is very injury-prone. One talent is not enough to play at a high level. Physical stability and the ability to handle load are necessary. Pikhaliunok has not played since the beginning of October, almost a month and a half. He missed nearly the entire spring part in the "Dnipro-1" squad due to health problems.
Building a team around Oleksandr is simply unfeasible. This idea needs to be abandoned. With age, health problems don’t decrease. Therefore, a potential parting with Vitalii Buialskyi (despite all his problems) carries its risks. It’s better to consider Valentyn Rubchynskyi as a future leader for "Dynamo", who is simply more stable and healthier.
Serhii TYSHCHENKO
