Artem Chobanian
Whilst all attention at the Camp Nou has been understandably on the move of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to the European Champions, another player who could be just as key to Barcelona this season has completed a long awaited move. After a summer of speculation Dymtro Chygrynskiy finally made the move to La Liga as coach Josep Guardiola got his man – for €25M.
Chygrynskiy is well known amongst Ukrainian fans, and although he is not yet a defender in the same class as a Paolo Maldini, the newest Barcelona player has seen his stock steadily rise. Culminating in helping Shakhtar Donetsk to the UEFA Cup last season.
That the defender will play a large part Barcelona’s drive for glory this season is certain: Guardiola tracked him for months. The 22 year-old has been signed to strengthen the La Liga side in the centre of the defence and in the Camp Nou there is nowhere to hide. He either succeeds or fails. But who is this new star from the East? Who is Dymtro Chygrynskiy? Here are ten facts about the Barcelona new boy you may not know:
1. Chygrynskiy’s first appearances in the Champions League was against Barcelona
The young defender did not make an impressive start to his career at the very highest level. After the game he admitted his legs were trembling throughout the match.
2. Chygrynskiy was not included by Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu in the first-team because of it
The Ukrainian’s poor performances to begin with in the 2004/05 season caused his coach Lucescu to decide Chygrynskiy was not ready for first-team football. The youngster was loaned to Metalurg Zaporizhzhya and only returned to Shakhtar in 2006.
3. One of just a few Ukrainian footballers to be awarded the Order for Courage
The award was originally established to honour people who performed heroic acts and to praise citizens who bring glory to the country. Chygrynskiy picked up the honour for promoting sport and the Ukraine with dignity.
4. Nicknamed Chygrynho by Ukrainians
Ukrainians have long believed the Brazilian way of play is an ideal way to play the game. That’s why Chygrynskiy received his nickname Chygrynho for his willingness to attack, especially from set-pieces.
5. Adores jazz and spends almost every minute of his free time downloading songs from the internet
Chygrynskiy has a huge collection of jazz records and loves his music. He was the first player at Shakhtar to ask for permission to have an MP3 player whilst training alone.
Barcelona 09/10 Third MESSI Barcelona 09/10 Away IBRAHIMOVIC
6. Shakhtar owner Rinat Akhmetov had just a five minute talk with Chygrynskiy about his transfer
The billionaire Shakhtar owner did not want to let his young defender move to Spain. Akhmetov asked Chygrynskiy if he was sure he would succeed in La Liga. The Ukrainian said he would, and he would also be honoured to be the first footballer from Shakhtar to play for Barcelona. Akhmetov shook his hand and wished him good luck.
7. Does not think of getting married before he is 30
Chygrynskiy is quite shy and has avoided the women that hunt him in Ukraine. When asked about finding a possible bride from Spain, Chygrynskiy said he was not sure beautiful Spanish women would chase him because he only has to run after men on the pitch.
8. Was a smart guy at school with high final grades
The 22 year-old continued his education with Donetsk State University whilst playing football, studying Intellectual Property Management. Now he has the chance to use that knowledge to manage his career in one of the biggest leagues on the planet.
9. Was Shakhtar Donetsk captain but gave it up
Coach Mircea Lucescu surprised almost everyone in Ukrainian football when he appointed Chygrynskiy captain in the 2007/08 season. However, after a series of mistakes and poor performances, the defender asked Lucescu to give the captain’s armband to Dario Srna and the coach relented.
10. Ukrainian fans do not believe in Chygrynskiy
It may seem strange, but most Ukrainian supporters do not see Chygrynskiy as a good defender and consider his transfer to be a waste of money for Barcelona. According to the overwhelming opinion on Ukrainian football forums, fans believe the youngster will not become a star in La Liga.
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