Konoplyanka going down hard ———- Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Yevhen_Konoplyanka_-_Mikael_Lustig_20120611.jpg
Three-time Ukrainian Footballer of the Year, starting left winger for Sevilla, but still a relative unknown, who am I talking about, Yehven Konoplyanka. He is one of the most skilled footballers you have probably never heard of. He has already netted 11 goals in 40 games for the Ukraine in his brief international career. His production at the club level hasn’t been as high as at the international level, but he was able to net 2 goals and an assist in the Champion League this past season. His lack of production at the club level has been partially attributed to the language barrier that exists between him and his teammates. Furthermore, given this season is his first in La Liga, he still has time to learn and make adjustments to his game. He is fast, he is talented, but he is unpolished. Regardless, he will be a force for Phillip Lahm and Łukasz Piszczek to deal with in the group stage. Only 26, he has a lot to learn and accomplish, but watch out for the Ukrainian Messi this summer.
Other Players:
Starters:
Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimović
Midfielders: Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Dimitri Payet, Robbie Keane, Arda Turan
Defenders: Jordi Alba, Vlad Chiricheș, Ashley Williams, Taulant Xhaka
Goalkeeper: The Gianluigi Buffon
Substitutes:
Forwards: Eden Hazard, Jakub Błaszczykowski
Midfielders: Mesut Özil, Gökhan Inler, James Milner, Balázs Dzsudzsák
Sources:
http://www.goal.com/en-us/people/ukraine/34148/yevhen-konoplyanka?ICID=PP_34148
Written By: Austin Tran and Chris Arora
How to cite this article: “Euro 2016 Key Players to Watch” Written by Austin Tran and Chris Arora (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/ (accessed on (date)).
