Expert: «Mikhavko can become no worse than Zabarny»

Well-known domestic expert Oleksandr Sopko named players who became a revelation in 2024 and explained why.

«Who among footballers has become a revelation for me? I can name more than one... But I will focus on two footballers, with absolutely different fates. One is already nearly 30 years old, and he made it to the national team, while the other is 19 years old, and he is already knocking on the door of the national team. I am talking about Kalyuzhny and Mikhavko — they are revelations for me.

Kalyuzhny proved that even at such an age, one can play in a way that not only the club appreciates but also the national team. It’s professionalism, desire, and ambitions that allowed him — albeit late — to unveil the talent that had been hidden in him for many years. Such things happen in life. And this is a good example of why coaches need to pay attention and give chances to players who have gone through their golden age; no one should be written off. Perhaps he could be called up for one or two matches, or maybe even for the entire qualifying cycle. Such a player can definitely help. Kalyuzhny's example can be very positive for Rebrov. I won’t sing too many praises for Kalyuzhny, but for me, he is an example of professional, conscientious attitude towards football. And it has paid off!

As for Mikhavko, he is not only wise beyond his years, but he plays with more than just muscles and physique; first and foremost, he plays with his head, with his football intelligence. I think he has a lot of room for development, in terms of fitness and interaction with partners. Mikhavko has a great ability to start attacks with his first pass, which is highly valued. The only wish and warning is that the defender must mature mentally. We have had many defenders who showed promise, but they never became tough fighters and either dissolved within themselves or within the team. Therefore, I wish him what is called experience. A man in football is one who has played, about whom they say: he is experienced, you can't fool him, he is cunning, smart, and knows his moves in advance...

Mikhavko needs to gain such experience and mature quickly. Then we will acquire a player of a level, perhaps not worse than Zabarny. And he must go through all this with work, patience, and discipline», — said Sopko.