I believe that the match against Kryvbas was the best one for Dynamo in the new championship. They overwhelmingly defeated the then leader of the standings.
Eduardo Guerrero. Photo — Y. YuryevIn the match against Kryvbas, Dynamo played without a traditional striker. Andriy Yarmolenko acted as a false 'nine', constantly shifting to the flank and deeper into the field. Dynamo looks better without a traditional striker.
I don’t think Shovkovskyi played without a standout forward out of choice. Vladyslav Blenutsa and Eduardo Guerrero were healthy and listed for the match. It’s just that both strikers' playing form leaves much to be desired.
I understand that Blenutsa is a new team member, under pressure following his transfer due to well-known circumstances. The Romanian needs more time for conclusions to be drawn. However, much more was expected from Guerrero. The Panamanian was brought to Dynamo two summers ago as a competitor for Vladyslav Vanat. Guerrero lost that competition convincingly. Last season, Eduardo was just a rotational forward and was remembered more for scandals related to his personal life than for his play on the field.
Now Vanat has left. There is no competition. There’s an opportunity to play in the main lineup. But, unfortunately, Guerrero remains unconvincing. The Panamanian forward scored against Epitsentr and Polissya (right after Vanat left) and then went silent for 5 UPL matches. He only scored his third goal in the match against Kryvbas when everything on the field was already decided.
I am more inclined to believe that Eduardo Guerrero’s style doesn’t fit Dynamo. He enjoys open space and has certain speed qualities. Dynamo mostly plays as the dominant force and needs to break through dense defenses. In physical battles, Guerrero struggles. Against Kryvbas, he scored having space. Similarly, he scored against Epitsentr in a quick attack and against Polissya after an error by goalkeeper Oleh Kudryk. For Dynamo, it’s crucial to score in positional play.
Eduardo lacks a goal instinct, he’s not a classic 'goal-poacher' who can score or create a chance out of nothing. Guerrero needs several chances to score. If this was a young Ukrainian player, it might be more acceptable. But here we’re talking about a foreigner with a high salary.
Guerrero was a leader at Zorya, had the best personal conditions. The whole team played for him and he had complete freedom. At Dynamo, it’s more about team play, where players adhere to certain schemes. Tactical nuances arise that Guerrero doesn’t always grasp or execute.
The forward will be 26 years old in February. Despite his mature age, Guerrero remains unstable. Despite a long period, he can’t become the main striker for the team. He can’t resolve the forward issue and doesn’t have prospects for further development. Yet, he is adapted to the realities of Ukraine and the team. I don’t believe anything will improve in this story. I wouldn’t be surprised if Dynamo is looking for a new team for Guerrero come winter. Kyiv club’s scouting has shown they can find foreign players. Aliu Tiaree and Shola Ogundana are making a good impression so far and, most importantly, show potential for further development.
Serhiy TYSHCHENKO
