England just about managed to top their World Cup qualifying group ahead of the Ukraine, but never got a handle on their Black Sea-bordering rivals’ most impressive player.
Yevhen Konoplyanka scored a screamer at Wembley and was a constant menace in the draw in Ukraine, and will be the main threat to France in the upcoming qualification play-off, where Arsenal and Chelsea will be joined by sides like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund in monitoring his performance.
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Konoplyanka is becoming more prolific, with his tally of eight goals already this season one shy of his best for Dnipro.
Cutting in from the left-flank onto his right-foot, the 24-year-old has something of the reverse Gareth Bale’s about him, firing in thunder-crackers whenever he’s given the chance.
He is yet to hit double figures for a season at Dnipro, but that is set to change this campaign as he has already bagged eight goals in 20 appearances in all competitors.
The winger is also adept at creating chances, contributing 18 assists to go with 25 goals in his 122 league appearances.
As well as scoring himself, Konoplyanka’s tricky-dribbling wizardry is effective in opening up space for others, and he has the vision to operate as a playmaker.
Although primarily used as an inverted winger by both club and country, he can also play on the right side, swinging in crosses for centre-forwards to feast upon.
Despite his youth, Konoplyanka is not shy of the big occasion, with two goals and three assists in five Europa League games this term.
England fans will be well aware that taking on the best on the biggest stage holds no fear for the Ukrainian, as he starred in his country’s 1-1 draw at Wembley.
Konoplyanka has eight goals in 33 caps for his country, quickly becoming one of their key players along with fellow winger Andriy Yarmolenko.
For Dnipro he has been key in Europe, scoring five and setting up six in his 16 total Europa League games.
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