Georgiy Sudakov discusses Ukraine's Euro 2024 aspirations, transfer rumors, and Mykhailo Mudryk

It's been over two years since Russian troops and armor infiltrated Ukraine. This eastern European country still finds itself embroiled in the conflict, fiercely resistant, and holding strong.

Although football cannot work miracles to resolve something as severe as warfare, it does offer those it enthralls an escape. It gives them moments they can step away from reality and into flashbacks that remain etched in their minds.

The national football team of Ukraine is set on seizing the opportunity this week to create such lasting memories for its citizens. Millions of them were uprooted following Russia's onslaught. They are now gearing up for UEFA's final playoff round, which will determine the last three participants of the upcoming Euro 2024 this summer. They are scheduled for an away game against Bosnia & Herzegovina this Thursday evening. Following this, the victor will compete against either Israel or Iceland later this weekend.

Georgi Sudakov is universally acknowledged as one of the biggest upcoming talents in Ukrainian football. The 21-year-old is a dynamic, offensive central midfielder who is likened in playing style to football bigwigs like Luka Modric and Thiago Alcantara. He has urged the interest of multiple leading European football clubs and is central to the team's chances of getting through the playoffs.

Already boasting 12 appearances and a goal at national level, Sudakov is this week setting aside his ambitions of leading Shakhtar Donetsk, his club, to win the Ukrainian league championship. He is focusing on getting his nation to Germany.

'Qualifying for the Euros would be amazing,' Sudakov shared with 90min. 'It's something our country always dreams of. Especially during hard times, it would be a significant accomplishment. It's crucial that we offer hope and happiness to our people, and it's important for the national team to conquer that new frontier.'

Sudakov has commendably juggled the most demanding years of his career, both at club level and nationally. All this while dealing with the turmoil and stress of conflict, and at the same time, bringing up a toddler who was born post-invasion.

'Everything is alright. My family is in Kyiv now,' Sudakov stated. 'Though no guarantee of their safety can be given, given the continuous air raid alerts and explosions, my family is currently residing in Kyiv.'

The summer of 2022 saw Ukraine aiming for qualification for a major tournament, through a play-off, ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. Sudakov was not a part of the team that eventually lost to Wales in Cardiff. He is now, however, positioned to significantly impact his nation's trajectory in the coming years, commencing with the upcoming games.

'The defeat was indeed a hard pill to swallow at the time. However, with the change in the coach and the team since, we approach the games with renewed energy and sentiment, firmly believing we can qualify,' he added.

The winners of the play-off Path B face Belgium, Slovakia, and Romania in the group phase. But Sudakov has set his sights on another global tournament this year. Ukraine is among 16 teams with a shot at winning a medal at the 2024 Olympics in France.

'We're committed to winning medals,' Sudakov stated. 'However, there's no certainty. We'll give it our all, do our utmost to display our best football skills, and achieve tremendous success.'

Success, particularly on such high-profile international platforms like Euro 2024 or the Olympic Games, often thrusts certain players into the limelight for clubs scouting their next major talent. Sudakov's rapid rise has already caught Europe's top-tier teams' attention. Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Napoli, Milan are among the clubs previously linked with Sudakov.

Shakhtar received bids from Italy in January. Sudakov, however, stayed back at Shakhtar, which intensely sought to retain him, subsequently providing better terms.

'The club desired for me to stay and offered me better conditions which we agreed upon,' Sudakov mentioned about his decision to enter a new contract. Nevertheless, a move to one of Europe's foremost leagues is an inevitable discussion topic for a player making as notable a mark.

Admitting his first-ever football jersey was that of Manchester United with Cristiano Ronaldo's name at the back, Sudakov states he does not have any specific dreams about playing for any particular club at the moment. Though happy at Shakhtar now, he acknowledges that choosing his next destination, when that time arrives, is a choice he has to nail.

'I can't pick one club. There are numerous clubs in Europe constantly delivering great results and playing at a high level. And possibly I can't select one league either. Playing in the top 5 leagues is a dream for any footballer.'

Mykhailo Mudryk, his national teammate and ex-Shakhtar contemporary, is one of Sudakov's dearest friends to date. Both of them even extended their contracts with Shakhtar at the same time in early 2022, before Mudryk transferred to Chelsea almost a year later.

Sudakov is backing Mudryk to make his spell at Chelsea a long-term success, with clever goals against Leeds and Newcastle underlining not only his talents, but his ability to adapt to play in different positions.

'I hope I make the right decisions,' Sudakov said. 'Mykhailo and I talk every day, and in some situations I learn from him and he gives me advice. He’s having new challenges at Chelsea this season, but he is a very talented player with very big ambitions. I think he has a great future.'

Sudakov revealed the two still talk each day and share a close bond. But he went on to admit that seeing someone so close to him have a difficult adjustment period at a new club has meant he has had to consider his own next steps carefully. Mudryk has recently found some good form in Chelsea blue and is considered a fan favourite among the home support, even after a difficult start.

'Mykhailo is a talented player, he can play in any position, not only on the wing, he can play in the centre of the field, as a centre forward. I am sure that he has a bright future ahead of him at Chelsea. It just requires time, and people should trust him.'