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Taken from Bleacher Report

Throughout the excitement and entertainment of a, so far, dazzling Euro 2012, the tournament provides the football fan and the viewer with the chance to have a better look at rising talents and future superstars; the next Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, among others. 


It’s almost like a shopping mall for clubs, interested in strengthening their squads for the upcoming season, in preparation for a tough, long, exhausting and grueling campaign ahead. Some players, relatively unknown before the start of the tournament, have become rising stars overnight, with their names heavily mentioned in the daily papers and on their gossip sections.  


One of these players, a player who represented one of the tournament’s hosts Ukraine, has been linked to some of the biggest clubs on the continent especially in England, with Arsenal and Liverpool- among others- reportedly vying for his signature. The player that I’m referring to, is a star for Dynamo Kiev- Ukraine’s most successful club- the next “Andriy Shevchenko”, Andriy Yarmolenko.


Throughout the tournament, Yarmolenko played on the right side of Ukraine’s midfield, impressing with his movement, pace, dribbling ability, and his crossing- one which provided Ukraine’s first goal of the tournament- scored by none other than the player he’s constantly compared with- Andriy Shevchenko. 


He’s a menace down the right hand side, and a constant thorn to any opposition he faces. Yarmolenko is also known for possessing an excellent left foot and a good eye for goal, proven with his decent scoring record with his club, scoring an average of a goal every three matches. Not bad, especially for a winger. 


His intelligent movement helps create space for his teammates to launch attacks from, as proven by his excellent performance against Sweden where he tore apart Martin Olsson, alongside his partner-in-crime down Ukraine’s right hand side, Rolan Gusev. 


However, according to Goal.com expert Michael Yokhin, there are question marks over his mental strength, and whether he’s strong and capable enough to settle in new surroundings and climate, and this can prove to be a huge detriment if he were to move away from Ukraine, especially with many of Europe’s biggest sides lurking and waiting to pounce. 


Nonetheless, Yarmolenko is a big talent, and at 22, has a long career ahead. I believe that, due to Arsenal’s acquisition of Lukas Podolski, that he’ll be more suited and will find more first team opportunities with Liverpool, who are looking for a winger due to the abysmal performances of England international- Stewart Downing- and the departures of both Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt.


Arsenal and Liverpool aren’t the only sides interested, other clubs outside of England including AC Milan, are also reportedly on his trail. And so, either club must move quickly in order to secure his services and pay the reported 15 million euro valuation, hanging over his head.




If you want to get a better, more in-depth look on Yarmolenko then check out Yokhin’s Goal.com report. 




Written by Omar Almasri
Follow me on Twitter @OAlmasri or @OPosts


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