Illia Zabarnyi - Ukraine's Defensive Diamond
Illia Zabarnyi: The Young Ukrainian Defender destined for the very top
Illia Zabarnyi has had the type of season he could only have dreamt of 12 months ago. At 18 he has established himself in the starting XI for club and country and is a Ukrainian champion.
Where was Illia Zabarnyi born?
Zabarnyi was born in Kyiv on 1st September 2002. He joined his childhood club as a 12-year-old and progressed all the way through the academy to the first team.
What position does Illia Zabarnyi play?
Alongside fellow academy graduate Denys Popov, Zabarnyi plays as a right-sided centre back in a 4-2-3-1 formation for his club Dynamo. For his country, he has played in a back 4 and more recently in a back 3. His comfort levels in either system is a sign of his growing maturity.
What are Illia Zabarnyi's attributes?
A tall, elegant defender with a propensity to turn defence into attack, Zabarnyi displays all the characteristics of a top-level centre back. He is strong in the tackle, composed on the ball and has a presence that belies his years. At 6 ft 2" he is a nuisance in either box and shows the passing range you would expect of a midfielder.
At 18, he seems to have the total package at his disposal
When did Illia Zabarnyi get his chance?
After impressing in the Ukrainian Reserve league, Zabarnyi made his club debut on 11th September 2020, replacing the injured Oleksandr Tymchyk in a 0-0 draw with Desna Chernigiv. Following further injuries and a defensive reshuffle by former long-time Shakhtar manager Mircea Lucescu, Zabarnyi was given a run of games and hasn't looked back since.
What impact has Illia Zabarnyi had?
As part of a "golden generation" of talented academy graduates including Viktor Tsygankov, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Mykola Shaparenko, Zabarnyi played a key role in helping Dynamo to their 16th Ukrainian title and their first in 5 years. Having not made his first-team debut prior to the season, he finished with 35 appearances and hopes to add a Ukrainian Cup winner's medal to his league honours.
Dynamo's Champions League group stage qualification for the 2020/21 season saw him pit his wits against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a priceless experience for any 18-year-old. He played every minute of his side's 13 European ties across qualification, the Champions League group stage and the Europa League knockout rounds. This type of exposure to big games can only benefit him in the long run.
When did Illia Zabarnyi make his international debut?
After only 4 games at the club level, Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko saw enough to hand Zabarnyi his first call-up to the senior national side.
He made his debut on 7th October 2020, playing the full 90 minutes of a 7-1 hiding by world champions France in a friendly. A baptism of fire to say the least, although he would gain some measure of revenge a few months later. March's round of internationals saw a 1-1 draw in Paris in a World Cup qualifier with Zabarnyi completing another full 90 minutes.
With 6 caps to his name already, he looks to have secured his place in Shevchenko's squad for Euro 2020 and hopes to impress on the big stage.
Illia Zabarnyi playing for Ukraine and celebrating beating Spain
What is Illia Zabarnyi worth?
It's difficult to put a value on a player on such an upward trajectory. His value now compared to 12 months ago would be vastly different. In another 12 months, it could be astronomical. One thing for sure is we don't see many 18 year-olds as accomplished as Zabarnyi. It would take a special offer for Dynamo to let go of a player contracted until 2025.
According to transfermarkt.com, he's valued at £3.6million. My guess would be any offer near that would be laughed out the door by Dynamo/
Who has been linked with Illia Zabarnyi?
Not many, if any, clubs have been linked with a transfer for Zabarnyi. In the current market and with clubs having to display some level of frugality, the fee Dynamo would be asking for may be too high for a teenager.
Barcelona and Juventus would have had a chance to study him closer having shared a Champions League group with Dynamo and he would have no doubt impressed them. A strong showing at the Euros may convince one of Europe's elite to take a money-spinning plunge on the youngster.
Which player does Illia Zabarnyi compare to?
He will need a few more accolades and medals to his name to reach his status, but Zabarnyi's style is reminiscent of Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand.
Check out more amazing young football player profiles from Odhran here!
