Breaking Through: Top U23 Ukrainian Talents Poised for European Success
The Ukrainian Premier League has established itself as not only a breeding ground for domestic talent but also a steppingstone for South American players looking to break into Elite European leagues. Despite the challenges faced by Ukrainian football in recent years, a new generation of players is rising through the ranks, showing the world that the country remains a hub for developing top-tier talent – domestically and internationally.
As the 2024/25 season progresses, several Ukrainian players under the age of 23 are emerging as prime candidates for moves abroad. These players have impressed both domestically and internationally in my eyes, showcasing their potential to take the next step in their careers. In the report, we will highlight five domestic talents of the Ukrainian top tier, who are on the verge of a breakthrough and are likely to make significant transfers to Europe’s elite leagues in the nearest transfer windows.
1. Heorhiy (Georgie) Sudakov - Shakhtar Donetsk
Age: 22
Position: Midfielder
Club: Shakhtar Donetsk
Key Highlights:
· Visionary Playmaker: Sudakov is exceptional at reading the game and delivering precise balls, often unlocking defenses with his clever movement and vision.
· Recent Stats (2023/24 Season): 6 goals, 4 assists in 23 appearances
· Standout Moment: Two Key Assists vs. Iceland in Euro Qualification Playoff – On March 26, 2024, in a crucial Euro Qualification Playoff match, Sudakov provided two vital assists, leading Ukraine to a 2:1 victory over Iceland, bringing Ukraine in the UEFA Euro 2024 group stage. His composure and creativity under pressure were pivotal.
Playing Style and Role:
Georgie Sudakov is the heartbeat of Shakhtar Donetsk's midfield, usually dictates the tempo of the game and creates chances from deep or advanced positions. His quick decision-making and ability to exploit spaces between the lines make him one of the most feared playmakers in the domestic league. Often operating as a central or attacking midfielder, Sudakov’s influence on Shakhtar’s possession and creativity in attack is unmatchable. Sudakov could play out wide, in the middle and behind the striker which makes him fabulous option for multiple roles in various systems.
Why He’s Special:
Georgie Sudakov combines technical elegance with tactical intelligence, consistently making himself available to receive the ball and launch attacks. His passing range is matched by his ability to drive forward into dangerous positions, making him a complete modern midfielder. In addition to his domestic performances, his standout display in Ukraine’s Euro qualification campaign has only raised his profile further, and it is expected that major European clubs will soon come knocking. Shakhtar's head of development, Ratulutra said: "He's a clever guy and he'll adapt to any environment, and to any style of football.” Sukadov’s strength was always his levels to adapt to any type of system given to him.
Potential Ability:
As Shakhtar Donetsk balances its domestic league commitments with the UEFA Champions League, Georgiy Sudakov has emerged as the team’s standout leader. With an impressive start to the season, scoring 7 goals in 9 games, his influence on the pitch has been undeniable. His leadership, coupled with a knack for delivering in crucial moments, has solidified his role as an indispensable figure. With growing interest from top European clubs, a move to one of the continent’s elite seems inevitable. However, Ukraine’s underperformance at the last European Championship has temporarily delayed his transfer, as Shakhtar's valuation has yet to be met. Nonetheless, if his contract isn’t renewed, Sudakov is highly likely to make his long-anticipated move by next summer
2. Volodymyr Brazhko - Dynamo Kyiv
Age: 22
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Club: Dynamo Kyiv
Key Highlights:
Versatile 50/50: Brazhko excels in balancing offensive creativity with defensive stability, making him a complete player in both attacking and defensive phases. Brazhko’s best raw attributes are his shooting and tackling.
Recent Stats (2023/24 Season): 6 goals, 5 assists in 30 appearances
Standout Moment: Impressive Performance – On March 31, 2024, Brazhko delivered a stellar performance in the Ukrainian Premier League match between Vorskla Poltava and Dynamo Kyiv. He added an assist and a goal to a top performance in the big win 1:5 away in Poltava. Brazhko has had a fantastic performance with 85% accurate passes.
Playing Style and Role:
Volodymyr Brazhko epitomizes the modern defensive midfielder, contributing effectively on both ends of the field. His ability to dictate the tempo from deep, combined with his instinct to push forward and join the attack with his fantastic ball striking skills, makes him a crucial figure in Dynamo Kyiv’s pursuit of league success. Brazhko excels at breaking up opposition play while also possessing a keen eye for delivering key passes and scoring from midfield—traits that have made him indispensable to the team.
Why He’s Special:
What truly sets Volodymyr Brazhko apart is his versatility. He seamlessly fits into various midfield roles, whether as a deep-lying playmaker, an advanced creative outlet, or even in a more defensive capacity. This flexibility, coupled with his technical proficiency, allows him to thrive in different tactical systems. His standout performances this season have captured the attention not only of Ukrainian football fans but also European scouts, who see his potential for success at a higher level. Standing at 1.84 meters, Brazhko combines physicality with excellent decision-making and a good range of passing.
Potential Ability:
As Dynamo Kyiv strives for domestic dominance and strong performances in European competitions, Volodymyr Brazhko will be pivotal to their plans. His consistent performances, both defensively and offensively, make him an indispensable asset in the club's ambitions. With previous interest from European clubs such as Torino and Real Betis, Brazhko’s future appears destined for top-tier leagues. A few standout displays in the Europa League could soon see clubs meeting Dynamo’s asking price, propelling him to the next stage of his career.
3. Vladyslav Vanat - Dynamo Kyiv
Age: 22
Position: Forward
Club: Dynamo Kyiv
Key Highlights:
· Clinical Attacker: Vanat is recognized for his lethal goal-scoring instincts and versatility in the attacking third. Equally adept as a central striker or wide forward, he consistently poses a threat to opposition defenses.
· Recent Stats (2023/24 Season): 14 goals, 10 assist in 30 appearances
· Standout Moment: In Dynamo Kyiv’s 4-2 win over Metalist 1925 on February 25, 2024, Vanat delivered a masterclass, netting twice and providing an assist. His performance underscored his dual threat as a scorer and playmaker, demonstrating his potential to turn the tide of matches single-handedly.
Playing Style and Role:
Vanat’s game is defined by intelligent movement and clinical finishing. A product of Dynamo Kyiv’s youth academy, he has matured into a forward with excellent positional awareness and the ability to convert chances under pressure. His physicality complements his technical prowess, making him a focal point in attack.
Why He’s Special:
What distinguishes Vanat is his sharp instinct for goal and his creativity in the attacking third. He has an exceptional knack for finding the perfect position, whether it’s reading a cross or being in the right place to capitalize on a rebound. Paired with his technical prowess and physical strength, he’s a constant danger inside the box. As an old member of Ukraine's U-21 national team, he participated in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, helping the team reach the semifinals. Vanat recently finished as the league's top scorer in the 2023/2024 season.
Potential Ability:
With Vanat already playing a pivotal role at Dynamo Kyiv, his recent displays—both at home and on the international stage—indicate that he's only beginning to tap into his potential. As Dynamo continues its pursuit of league titles and success in European competitions, his development will be crucial to their ambitions. Vanat has openly expressed his desire to challenge himself in one of Europe’s top leagues in the near future, reflecting his ambition and confidence. While he sees clubs like Ajax as potential stepping stones to even greater opportunities, his loyalty to Dynamo Kyiv remains steadfast.
4. Nazar Voloshyn - Dynamo Kyiv
Age: 21
Position: Forward/Winger
Club: Dynamo Kyiv
Key Highlights:
· Dynamic Forward: Nazar Voloshyn is a versatile forward who excels both in attack and defense. Known for his ability to track back and strong positional awareness, he also demonstrates excellent ball control and a refined first touch.
· Recent Stats (2023/24 Season): 9 goals, 8 assists in 31 appearances
· Standout Moment: In the match against Veres Rivne on May 1, 2024, Voloshyn made a significant impact with an 84% pass accuracy, 3 successful dribbles, and 2 assists, highlighting his exceptional playmaking and influence on the game.
Playing Style and Role:
Voloshyn’s ability to play both as a central forward and as a wide attacker makes him a versatile weapon for Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine. Starting his career at Metalist Kharkiv before transitioning to Dynamo's academy, Voloshyn has developed into a quick, technical forward who excels at exploiting spaces between defenders. His sharp acceleration and keen eye for goal, combined with his high work rate, have made him a key player for Dynamo’s offense.
Why He’s Special:
What distinguishes Nazar Voloshyn is his blend of speed and tactical intelligence. His exceptional game awareness and ability to adjust his positioning dynamically enable him to create chances not only for himself but also for his teammates. While primarily an attacking player, his commitment to defensive duties makes him a versatile asset capable of contributing across all phases of play. Voloshyn’s consistency on the domestic stage has been recognized, earning him the title of Ukraine's top U-21 player for both March and April 2024, as voted by over 120 experts.
Potential Ability:
Under contract with Dynamo Kyiv until 2025, Nazar Voloshyn is set to play a pivotal role in the club's upcoming campaign. As Dynamo aims to compete for both domestic and European honors, Voloshyn's continued growth will be vital to their success in the 2024/2025 season. While his current sample size may be limited, his work ethic, versatility, and potential mark him as one of Ukraine's brightest young talents. It's only a matter of time before his name begins circulating among top European leagues.
5. Taras Mikhavko – Dynamo Kyiv
Age: 19
Position: Central Defender
Club: Dynamo Kyiv
Key Highlights:
Intelligent Center Half: Mikhavko is a smart, aggressive but yet composed central defender, who excels at reading the game and making crucial interceptions. His ability to anticipate the movement of attackers and distribute the ball effectively makes him a vital component of Kyiv's backline.
Recent Stats (2023/24 Season): 8 appearances (0)
Standout Moment: August 27, 2024, in Dynamo Kyiv's recent 1:1 draw against Red Bull Salzburg, Taras Mykhavko showcased his composure and technical quality in defense with an impressive performance. The young centre back completed 94% of his passes (90 out of 94), demonstrating his ability to efficiently distribute the ball under challenging circumstances.
Playing Style and Role:
Taras Mikhavko is a modern central defender with a strong focus on positional play and distribution. Having progressed through Lviv’s youth academy, Mikhavko has developed into a highly technical defender with excellent ball control. His ability to play out from the back with precise passing adds an extra dimension to Dynamo’s build-up play. Additionally, Mikhavko’s strength in aerial duels and his capacity to lead the defense make him a key figure in the team's defensive structure.
Why He’s Special:
Taras Mykhavko's blend of technical ability and defensive intelligence distinguishes him from his contemporaries. His composure under pressure, combined with precise timing in tackles and magnificent distribution skill, makes him a dependable presence in high-pressure scenarios. As a center back, he exhibits a mature grasp of the game, frequently making smart decisions that bolster his team's defensive structure. His resilience and strong work ethic further emphasize his key role at Dynamo Kyiv. Reflecting his professional mindset, Mykhavko once stated during Dynamo’s training camp in Turkey, "I take my cue from Yarmolenko; he’s a true professional both on and off the pitch," demonstrating his desire to lead by example.
Potential Ability:
With his contract extending until 2028, Mykhavko is poised to become a cornerstone of Dynamo Kyiv’s defense for the foreseeable future. His talent and versatility have already attracted attention, and it's likely that European clubs will be monitoring his development closely. Given his outstanding performances for Dynamo, it's not out of the question to see top teams express interest in him soon, especially those seeking a dependable, technically adept defender akin to Bournemouth's Ilya Zabarnyi, who has made a notable impact in the English Premier League.
The rise of Sudakov, Brazhko, Vanat, Voloshyn, and Mikhavko showcasing the lasting excellence of Ukraine’s youth development system, which just previously produced stars like Andriy Lunin during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup triumph. These emerging U23 talents are making impactful strides in the Ukrainian Premier League, proving that the country’s youth academies continue to nurture top-tier players. Their impressive performances and boundless potential make it clear that they are on the brink of making their mark in Europe’s elite leagues. Their rise not only reaffirms the firm position of Ukrainian football but also signals the arrival of a new generation poised to make a significant impact across Europe’s top divisions.
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