18-year-old midfielder of “Kryvbas” Yaroslav Shevchenko, who, despite his age, managed to break into the first team of his club, shared his impressions from the matches of the Ukrainian championship and his work with the head coach of the “red-whites” Yurii Vernydub.
Yaroslav Shevchenko. Photo — FC “Kryvbas”— Remember how you were invited to “Kryvbas” in 2023? How was it?
— At that time I was playing in Poland. My coach Artem Oleksandrovych Proshenko called me and informed me about the opportunity to join “Kryvbas.” I gladly accepted this offer. I returned from Poland and joined “Kryvbas U-19.”
— Your first training session with the main team. Do you remember how it was?
— Prilepov came into my room at the base and said that Yurii Mykolaiovych Vernydub invites players from the youth team to training with the main team. Of course, I was a bit nervous. I remember the first session was very difficult, as there are completely different speeds and loads. However, over time I got used to this intense rhythm, managed to show myself well, so now everything is great.
— Working with such an authoritative coach as Yurii Vernydub. What does it mean for you?
— Indeed, Yurii Mykolaiovych is an extremely qualified coach with great experience. He knows how to work with young and experienced footballers. I listen to every hint and advice he gives and complete all assigned tasks. He is a great specialist for our club, and I am very happy to work under his guidance. An incredible experience for me.
— What does it mean for a player of your age to debut in the UPL?
— This is already a significant achievement for me, as it has been my dream and goal since childhood. However, I believe this is just the beginning, so we move on.
— Who is the toughest opponent for you in the UPL matches you have played?
— It was not easy to play against Bohdan Lednev when we faced “Polissia,” as he is a very mobile and fast player.
— Shevchenko is quite a well-known surname worldwide. Was Andrii Shevchenko your idol in childhood?
— Indeed, Andrii Shevchenko is a football idol for every Ukrainian. However, I did not see him play, and only later rewatched matches with him and his cool goals. Among Ukrainian footballers, I have always admired the play of Yevhen Konoplyanka. As for world players, my idol is Lionel Messi.
— Who do you consider the best player in your position in the world?
— My subjective opinion is that it’s Kevin De Bruyne, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde.
— There is always careful attention to young talented players in the UPL. Who else would you highlight among your peers at the top level?
— Many Ukrainian teams are bringing young players from U-19 to the main teams. If I had to choose, it would probably be Artem Husol from “Koloss,” Arthur Shakh from “Karpaty,” and Oleksandr Pshenychnyiuk from “Chornomorets.”
— And who is the biggest authority for you in “Kryvbas”?
— Overall, of course, Yurii Mykolaiovych Vernydub is my authority. Among the players, I am inspired by those who have significant experience — Dmytro Khomchenovskyi and Yurii Vakulko. Also Hrvoje Ilić. For me, it’s very interesting and valuable to follow their game on the field, I learn new things for myself and use them in my play.
— Do you feel the trust of Yurii Vernydub?
— Of course, and it is very pleasant. It inspires me to work even harder and progress. We constantly talk about football and my future career in “Kryvbas.” I am very grateful to him for his trust and support.
Pavlo Klymenko
