Yaroslav Rakytskiy

Yaroslav Rakytskiy     22     Defender     Shakhtar Donetsk

Generally speaking, any player attracting confirmed interest from Barcelona has to be both very good technically and very comfortable on the ball. For a defender to have turned the notoriously attack minded Catalans heads, he must have something very special indeed. Now well established for both Donetsk and the Ukrainian national side, Yaroslav Rakytskiy has been the subject of much speculation involving Barca, but more importantly, has continued his progress into one of the most promising defenders in European football.

Imposing physically, excellent in the air when defending his own and attacking his opponent’s penalty box, perhaps the most impressive thing about Rakytskiy is a maturity which far outweighs his years and swells with responsibility. He’s a walking contradiction; calm but aggressive, capable of going toe-to-toe with any forward but also possessing the delicate touch and composure usually associated with compatriots higher up the field.

He might just fit in perfectly if destined for the Camp Nou.

“Best young defender in Ukraine and now a constant in the Shakhtar team, Champions League football and the Euro under 21 tournament improved him greatly’- Eliot Rothwell (Slavic Football Union)

“A revelation, the most promising defender in Ukraine who’s benefiting from increasing responsibility at club and international level” – Domm Norris (Slavic Football Union)

C+     Looking excellent, time to show there’s that little something extra to your game