Sunday, 30th June, 2013
Shakhtar Donetsk coach Mircea Lucescu has taken a look back at last season and identified a number of players he feels worthy of acclaim, including Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, currently at the centre of a transfer saga, in his key quartet.
Mkhitaryan bagged 25 goals in the Ukrainian Premier League last season as Shakhtar Donetsk won the title, further enhancing their grip on the domestic game.
And Lucescu appreciates the contribution of Mkhitaryan, as one of a quartet of standout players, including the already departed Fernandinho.
Asked by Shakhtar magazine to name the best player of the season, the Romanian replied: "Several of them.
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"There is Dario Srna, Fernandinho, Oleksandr Kucher and Henrik Mkhitaryan.
"In the first half of the season even Willian.
"These players were consistent and were on the pitch with him. They were the benchmark."
Shakhtar Donetsk have lost Fernandinho to Manchester City, while Willian left midway through the campaign to join Anzhi Makhachkala.
Mkhitaryan meanwhile is thought to be close to becoming a Liverpool player, despite interest in his services from Anzhi Makhachkala, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur.
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