Champions League 2015/16 profiles: Dynamo Kiev
Published:
Dynamo Kiev are 9/4 with Coral to qualify from Group G in the Champions League and after a positive start to the season will feel confident of a going on a good run in the competition.
Domestic League: Ukrainian Premier League
How they qualified: Dynamo won their league at a canter last season, which was enough to secure them a place in the group stage draw.
Best Champions League era performance: The most notable performance of the modern era of the competition, since it’s name change from the European Cup in 1992, occurred in the 1998/99 campaign when they were eliminated by Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Despite a 4-3 defeat over two legs, it was perhaps their quarter-final 3-1 aggregate win over Real Madrid which remains their most impressive performance.
Coach: They are managed by former player and ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker Serhiy Rebrov who scored 58 goals in his club career.
Ins and outs: Keeping hold of their best players was Dynamo’s policy over the summer, and barring cashing on Jeremain Lens who they sold to Sunderland for a handsome £8m, forward Derlis Gonzalez was the highest profile arrival from FC Basel, and one of four who arrived on a free transfer.
Familiar faces: As well as from Rebrov roaming the touchline, fans may also remember former Premier League star Niko Kranjkar who played for Tottenham and Portsmouth, while he also had a spell at QPR on loan.
Key players: Undoubtedly, forward Andriy Yarmolenko who can also operate as a winger, is one of their most important players and is dangerous in possession, capable of the unpredictable. Miguel Veloso’s presence in midfield gives the side some steel, while Aleksandar Dragovic is progressing into a very good centre back.
Emerging talent: At 22, native midfielder Serhiy Myakushko is one to watch and someone who can make things happen and scores some sensational strikes of differing variety.
CL Group and fixtures:
Group G
V FC Porto (Home), 16th September
V Maccabi Tel Aviv (Away), 29th September
V Chelsea (Home), 20th October
V Chelsea (Away), 4th November
V FC Porto (Away), 24th November
V Maccabi Tel Aviv (Home), 9th December
