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West Ham United’s Ukrainian target is very impressive

By Henry Tomlinson

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 22: Vitaliy Mykolenko of Ukraine looks on during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group B qualifying match between Portugal and Ukraine at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on March 22, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 22: Vitaliy Mykolenko of Ukraine looks on during the 2020 UEFA European Championships group B qualifying match between Portugal and Ukraine at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on March 22, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /
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West Ham may be struggling to kick-start their transfer window, but the latest target, Mykolenko, should convince them to start spending.

Vitaliy Mykolenko is a Ukrainian left-back, currently playing the trade in his homeland for Dynamo Kyiv. The left-back has had a fantastic season and cemented the defensive position, despite only being 21-years-old. Mykolenko’s great form has now attracted the interest of West Ham.

The Ukrainian played thirty-six times for Dynamo Kyiv in all competitions. In these games, Mykolenko showed that he is a capable modern-day attacking full-back. The defender contributed plenty to the attack, Mykolenko provided seven assists and scored four of his own throughout the season.

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The 21-year-old also is brilliant at developing attacks. Mykolenko always tries to progress the team’s offence, making 100 progressive runs and playing 828 forward passes with 313 passes attempted in the final third. Even with all these passes being tried and played, Mykolenko averages a pass success rate of 82.3%, which is very impressive.

Mykoleenko would no doubt be an improvement on West Ham’s current left-back options. Aaron Cresswell has been inconsistent over the last few seasons. The 30-year-old has struggled to recapture his early Hammers form since his injury in 2016.

The Hammers’ other left-back option Arthur Masuaku divides fans, some believe he would make a great winger, and some think he should be sold. One thing they have in common is that Masuaku is an incredibly frustrating left-back who can be very error-prone at times.

There is a competition hotting up to sign the youngster, West Ham face competition from Italian giants Inter Milan and their rivals AC Milan according to Calciomercato.com. The Hammers could have one advantage in the shape of Ukrainian legend Andriy Yarmolenko being in their squad.

The thirty-year-old forward is a hero in his homeland, winning Ukrainian Player of the Year three times. A chance for Mykolenko to play with what could be a childhood hero may help thee Hammers persuade him to come to the London Stadium. Regular game time could also be offered to the youngster if he can transfer his form would quickly become West Ham’s first choice.

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According to Transfermarkt, the Ukrainian is valued at £8.10m and has a couple of years remaining on his contract so it would be surprising if any transfer were under £10 million.  Mykolenko could be a star of the future, and one the Hammers must try and sign.

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