Having come off an up and down season for club side Sevilla, Yevhen Konoplyanka will be looking to lead his team out of the group stage for the very first time in only their second European tournament as an independent nation.
Role in the team
Without question Konoplyanka is one of the most vital players for the Ukrainians come this major tournament. His importance is that key, that if he was to go down with injury he would almost be irreplaceable.
Alongside Andriy Yarmolenko, the wingers will be very much the driving force behind Ukraine’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the tournament, in a group where they are sure to believe they can reach the round of 16.
His ability to find the back of the net and create for his teammates will be a major key for a squad that has been marred by off-field controversy in the lead up to the competition.
READ MORE: Euro 2016 – Ukraine team preview
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For new club Sevilla this season the winger reflected exactly why the Spanish outfit elected to sign him at the beginning of 2015-16, finishing with eight goals and six assists across all competitions in 52 appearances.
He did not become an integral part of the side during his first season and started less than half the games, with 27 appearances coming off the bench.
The 26-year-old featured 11 times during the qualifying stage and managed to find the back of the net twice.
Although he did not appear in the Europa League final against Liverpool, his club went on to claim a 3-1 win behind a stunning second half performance.
Konoplyanka came off the bench in the Copa Del Rey Final against Barcelona, which the side lost 2-0.
Conclusion
If the Ukrainians are to reach the knockout stages of the first time they will need the Sevilla man fit and firing from the outset in their opening match against Germany.
Konoplyanka has the best possible chance to show exactly why he was such a hotly chased talent, before his move to Sevilla at the beginning of the season.
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