Factfile: Who is Liverpool target Yehven Konoplyanka?

Over the last couple of days, there has been a mass amount of media reports coming out of Ukraine and England about the transfer of FC Dnipro winger, Yevhen Konoplyanka. The Ukrainian has been heavily linked with Liverpool as Managing Director, Ian Ayre is reported to be in Ukraine trying to finalise a deal with the Ukrainian club.

In this article, I will be giving you some stats, information and my genuine opinion on the Ukrainian winger.

Yehven Konoplyanka – Profile

Age – 24Nation – UkraineClub – FC DniproFoot – RightPosition – Left Wing

Strengths

Konoplyanka is an extremely quick winger, who will offer Liverpool some real width and also allow Coutinho to play in the centre. When England played Ukraine in the 0-0 draw, Konoplyanka was playing on the left wing and against Kyle Walker, one of the paciest players around. Konoplyanka was outpacing him and Walker was really struggling. I remember watching that game as an England fan, but I kept an eye on Yarmolenko, who was linked with Liverpool. But the player who caught my eye that day was Konoplyanka. Walker couldn’t contain him whatsoever. The centre of England’s defence defended really well, but Konoplyanka made Walker look extremely poor.

Another strength of the Ukrainians is cutting in on his lethal right foot. Because he plays on the left hand side, this allows him to cut in on his right foot. This has seen him score some beautiful shots from distance in the past for Ukraine and for FC Dnipro. The one against England a couple of years ago comes to mind.

Physicality appears to be a big part of his game too. Many English newspapers saying that he has a black belt in Karate which will make it easier to adapt to the physical side of the game. Also, from what I’ve seen of him, he tracks back loads. Which is crucial nowadays due to very offensive opposing full backs.

Agility and skill is a big part of what being a good winger is about. With Konoplyanka’s speed, physicality, agility, finishing and skill, it appears he has everything that is required for him to be a success, if he does make the switch to England. Only time will tell.

Yevhen Konoplyanka – 2013/14 Statistics

Ukrainian Premier LeagueAppearances – 1Goals – 2Assists – 0

UEFA Europa LeagueAppearances – 5Goals – 3Assists – 2

Despite not playing too many games, these stats are so impressive. They’d be impressive for a striker, yet alone a winger. These stats shows that he can contribute to a lot of his teams goals. Liverpool need that. Obviously, they get enough goals through the lethal partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. However, what if they have a bit of an ‘off day’? Midfielders need to contribute. Despite Raheem Sterling being on sensational form recently, he doesn’t get near enough the amount of goals he should get.

Philippe Coutinho’s game is built more around creating the goals for his team-mates, sometimes he pops up with a goal. But, it’s no way near enough. Bringing Konoplyanka in to the side would be brilliant. Assists and more goals to add to our already impressive attacking threat.

On Tuesday, you saw Liverpool base their game on counter attacking Everton and it worked. Could you imagine the speed of Konoplyanka, Sturridge and Sterling on the counter attack? Frightening. The sheer magic of Luis Suarez, obviously. I think gaining the service of Konoplyanka could be the final push to gain a Champions League place next season. A centre midfielder would be nice too.

Where would he fit in?

Honestly, I don’t know exactly. There is multiple options. Most of them involve rotation. The brilliant form of Sterling makes it incredibly hard to drop him. I believe Coutinho will start to retain his good form after that remarkable performance against Everton on Tuesday. Sturridge and Suarez are a given. Henderson is playing superbly and I believe Gerrard is too influential to leave out.

Rotation could work. Sterling and Coutinho sometimes will require a rest. Or if Konoplyanka does get into the first team, which I believe he will, maybe he’ll require rests every now and then. Underneath is a couple systems we could try him in.

4-3-3 side – Konoplyanka (LW)

4-2-2-2/4-4-2 side – Konoplyanka (LM)

Stats thanks to EPLindex