The best foreigner in Dynamo history?
Valentyn Belkevych is probably the best foreign player in Dynamo history. Featuring for Kyivans he won the Ukrainian league seven times, Ukrainian Cup six times and reached the Champions League semifinals… Still it’s not about achievements. First of all Valentyn gladdened fans with spectacular play. Great results demonstrated by the White-Blues at the turn of the millennium were partially his desert.
From disqualification to triumph
Belkevych joined Dynamo in 1996 having checkered reputation. He was considered to be very talented, but he got one-year disqualification for using dope. Still he couldn’t take part only in international matches, so he featured in Belarusan league.
From the third squad to leader
Being the best player of his country Valentyn joined Dynamo. “Why did I choose Kyiv? The team achieved some success and I wanted to approve myself in this club”, - told Belkevych.
At first he couldn’t do that. He performed for Dynamo-2 and even for Dynamo-3 sometimes!
After Valeriy Lobanovskyi took charge of the team things changed. Every player got a chance and Belkevych used it though he had to play as left halfback at first as Yuriy Kalytvyntsev controlled the game in the midfield.
Valentyn wasn’t a very good left winger, but he became really good centre half. The year 1998 was the last one for Yuriy Kalytvyntsev in Kyiv and I can assume his departure wasn’t a problem for Dynamo due to Belkevych. He was versatile, enduring and played both for attack and for defense.
From Liverpool to Baku
Dynamo didn’t have to worry about the position of attacking midfielder for a long period of time. Valentyn rejected transfer offers from other clubs. They say such clubs as Verona, Liverpool and Shakhtar wanted to sign him. Still money wasn’t the key factor for him.
Belkevych left Kyiv only in 2008 and joined Inter Baku. At that time he already was the citizen of Ukraine though he couldn’t feature for our national team.
It’s a pity Valentyn didn’t have a chance to take part in the World Cup or European Championship. It’s a pity he didn’t win the Champions League with Dynamo. It’s a pity he had too little time to share his experience with new generation of players. It’s a pity… We thank you, Valentyn, for loyalty and dedication, for numerous moments when you made us happy.
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