Dated March 14, 2012
(for Modo)
[article=http://www1.skysports.com/transfer-centre/scout/15198/7577915/Sky-Sports-Scout-Andriy-Yarmolenko]
Born in St Petersburg, Russia, Yarmolenko moved to Ukraine aged just three when his family settled in the city of Chernihiv.
As a youngster, Yarmolenko was quickly recognised as one of the brightest talents in Ukraine and,
aged just 13, he was snapped up by Dynamo Kiev's youth set-up.
But he
failed to settle with Dynamo and left the capital just 12 months later to return to Chernihiv, joining local side Desna.
His failed move to Dynamo's youth side did little harm to his development and he was soon making a goal-scoring first-team debut aged 16.
In December 2006, a return to Dynamo occurred as they snapped him up on a five-year deal, beating Shakhtar Donetsk to his coveted signature.
Once back in Kiev, a more mature Yarmolenko settled into life in the capital and after
two years progressing through to their reserves he made his first-team debut in 2008.
Within 12 months he was a first-team regular - playing anywhere down the left - and he scored seven goals. It was this form that saw him called up to the Ukraine national squad, making his debut in their World Cup qualifier against Belarus.
Now a regular for both club and country, it is little surprise that Yarmolenko is being described as the new Shevchenko. But is there a comparison to be drawn between the two? Well, not really.
Shevchenko was the archetypal No.9, a fox in the box and one of the most lethal finishers of his generation. But Yarmolenko has much more to his game, mainly due to his wand of a left foot.
Yarmolenko was
often played at left-back and on the wing during his younger days, but
his finishing prowess has seen him settle in a forward role, and his
6ft 1in frame is also a useful weapon in his armoury.
Powerful, pacey, skilful and with the ability to finish, it is clear to see why there is so much excitement about Yarmolenko.
Rubin Kazan and Napoli both saw bids of around £10million rejected last year, with Dynamo looking to build their side around Yarmolenko.
Yarmolenko is set to lead the line for Ukraine at this summer's European Championships, and England will be one of those teams in his sights.
The scout says...
Yarmolenko is a terrific young player and a good showing at Euro 2012 could see his value soar.
Should he perform as Ukraine expect this summer, Dynamo may struggle to hold on to him.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 8 out of 10
Passing: 8 out of 10
Tackling: 6 out of 10
Heading: 7 out of 10
Pace: 8 out of 10
Vision: 8 out of 10
Current ability: 8 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 63/80
Current value: £15million
Potential value: £60million[/article]
Potential value: £60million
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