This statement has direct relationship to two performers, whose play will have serious impact on the forthcoming Champions League round of 16 first leg between FC Dynamo Kyiv and Manchester City FC.
Kyivan Serhiy Rybalka and his Manchester opponent Fernandinho are backbone players of their teams. They influence game rhythm and tactical reshufflings. Brazilian midfielder we’re familiar with has more attacking freedom of act while Serhiy is more focused on defensive functions.
Rybalka is the brightest embodiment of Serhiy Rebrov’s innovations. He’s able to deprive opponents of space in the midfield and start the White-Blues attacks. In 2014/15 season Serhiy turned into player helping Dynamo to keep the balance between lines. Besides he’s improved his dispossessing skills.
This season absence of Rybalka in home match against FC Shakhtar Donetsk demonstrated his importance for the team. Fast Shakhtar players easily coped with Miguel Veloso which was one of the main reasons for Dynamo defeat.
The main, at this point, confirmation of the effectiveness of the action of Serhiy is the fact that FC Dynamo Kyiv with him in the lineup did not lost a single match in European competitions at home, having unbeaten run of nine meetings!
Manchester City FC signed Fernandinho from Shakhtar on June 6 2013 for 30 million pounds. Brazilian midfielder proved to be able to improve the Citizens’ game flexibility almost at once.
Ferna dispossessed opponents really well and covered free space when Yaya Toure moved forward.
His strengths are great technical and tactical skills and impressive working capacity.
Fernandinho is familiar with the club his team will face on February 24. He opposed Dynamo 26 times with Shakhtar. Donetsk side won 11 of those matches and lost nine while six more games ended in a draw.
- Dynamo have a lot of good performers, so we must be careful and orderly, - says ManchesterCity key midfielder.
According to Serhiy Rybalka the Citizens are top level team, but they have problems with defense sometimes.
- I think one should focus on Aguero and ManchesterCity whole attacking line. Anyway there are no invincible teams. Coaching staff will tell us how to use Manchester side weaknesses, especially defensive problems.
So on Wednesday we’ll witness football battle of great masters everyone’s looking forward to!
Oleh Zadernovskyi
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