Anyone who watched Ukraine's recent matches against Scotland and Wales will have taken note of the brilliant performances of a certain midfielder.
In the end Manchester City's Oleksandr Zinchenko could not guide his nation — devastated by the horrors of war — to the World Cup finals, a play-off final defeat to Wales ending the dream. But it wasn't for the want of trying; Ukraine performed well in both games, especially Zinchenko.
The 25-year-old was superb in Ukraine's midfield, the level of his passing, movement and execution a mark above that of anyone in the blue of Scotland or the red of Wales. He orchestrated Ukraine's attacks from a left-sided attacking midfield role, breaking the lines with incisive passes and dropping deep to win the ball and build attacks.
