Shakhtar Donetsk: the rise of Georgiy Sudakov
Mykhaylo Mudryk left for Chelsea last winter, and Benfica snatched Anatoliy Trubin this summer, leaving the Shakhtar Donetsk having lost two of its most talented players from its youth academy. However, the Miners are shining in the Champions League this season, already with 6 points in 4 matches, and a brilliant victory against FC Barcelona (1-0). Fourth in their league at six points behind the leader (but with two fewer matches played), the team based in the Donbass, and playing in Kiev (for domestic matches) or abroad (in Hamburg for the Champions League), increasingly relies on their latest gem, Georgiy Sudakov.
An elegant attacking midfielder of average height (5’10”), Georgiy Sudakov is only starting to gain recognition beyond his borders, although his potential has always been unquestionable. Despite not scoring a goal or making an assist in the 1-0 victory against FC Barcelona, everything started with a stroke of genius by the Bryanka native, showcasing his creative brilliance.
Included in the Ukrainian squad for Euro 2020 at just 18 years old, Sudakov did not play a single minute in the competition, but he was part of the journey to the quarter-finals. His coach at the time, Andriy Shevchenko, explained, “First of all, I like his attitude, his mobility, his movement. He was included in the squad because he looks good. These are our coaching observations.” Meanwhile, Sudakov, who had previously earned three caps, was thrilled to have such an experience and challenge.
Despite having only 14 appearances for the national team at the time, he now has 81 for Shakhtar Donetsk, where he has taken advantage of the departures of Brazilian players during the war initiated by Russia to really make his mark.
Given his status as a rising star and the emergence of Mykhaylo Mudryk, Sudakov lived through some very difficult moments during the war. During the Russian bombings, he found himself holed up in a bunker with his pregnant partner. This harrowing experience had a significant impact on him and his family. Having since returned stronger than ever, Sudakov has become indispensable at the club and has managed to secure a place in the national team, where he has started in 8 matches.
With his contract with Shakhtar Donetsk running until June 2028, there is growing interest from clubs like Juventus, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Brighton, as well as Benfica. He may also have the opportunity to help qualify his country for a fourth consecutive Euro.
Despite the challenges of war and the limitations it imposes on his personal life, Sudakov continues to pursue his dreams, demonstrating that hope will always prevail in the face of the horrors of war.
