Former defender of "Shakhtar" and the Ukrainian national team Oleksandr Kuchер recalled what the former striker of Kyiv "Dynamo" Artem Milevskiy was like on the football field.
Oleksandr Kuchер— Oleksandr, Milevskiy calls you the strongest defender he has ever played against. How did you manage to turn him off in the game?
— I didn't always manage to do that. Artem is a very technical striker with good attributes, he works well with the ball and with his head. His strongest side is his body work. He is also very good at supporting plays and finishing. I can confidently say that Artem is one of the best strikers in Ukraine that I have played against — he definitely belongs in the top 3. With his anthropometric data and work with the ball, Artem reminds me of Ibrahimović.
— Did Lucescu give any special instructions on how to play against Milevskiy?
— We didn't play personally against Artem, but we paid particular attention to him. The mister said that he covers the ball very well with his body, so you shouldn't pressure him closely. He can beat you one-on-one, pass, or feint.
— Milevskiy could provoke for a penalty in the box too.
— Of course. His artistry was at a high level. But he has never been a rotten football player; he just could create a moment out of nothing and earn a penalty.
— In the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-final "Dynamo" — "Shakhtar" (1:1) you played roughly against Milevskiy. Right after the match he said that you intentionally injured him.
— He said that in the heat of the moment. I certainly did not play like that on purpose; it was a game moment. I broke the rules, for which I received a yellow card and missed the return match.
— You played together on the national team. How did Artem behave then in the national team?
— He is a sociable guy, very kind, open, and cheerful, always able to joke. Who did you communicate with the most? Of course, with Aliyev; they were two friends.
— How do you see Milevskiy in the future, in what position?
— It is for him to choose what his heart desires. So far, he is doing quite well in media football; he attracts attention. Artem was a popular player, and even now, he is under significant attention. I think everything will work out for him; the main thing is that he doesn't stop and achieves the goals he has set for himself.
— Lastly, your wishes for Milevskiy.
— May all his dreams come true, and may he achieve all the goals he has set. I wish him good health and peaceful skies above his head.
Andriy Piskun
