Why Leicester should sign Dynamo Kyiv’s Viktor Tsygankov

Ready for a step up

What stands out in Tsygankov’s game is the output he has racked up across the last four seasons in the Ukrainian league. Over this time he’s scored 60 goals in 125 appearances, consistently getting around 0.5 per game. Even last season, Tsygankov scored 12 goals despite making just 15 starts. This is in addition to captaining the side despite his tender years, with Viktor a perfect example of actions speaking louder than words.

Outside the domestic league, Tsygankov has also impressed at times in both the UCL and UEL; as well as for Ukraine. In 2019/20, Tsygankov registered 5 goal involvements in just 6 UEL appearances, putting in an average performance of 7.42 as per Whoscored. In the latter arena, Viktor has proved decisive against the top sides, scoring a well-taken winner against Spain in the Nations League.

Player profile

Firstly, a disclaimer before we go into the player profile. The Ukrainian league is not heavily covered so there is limited data available (in terms of detailed metrics). Therefore, the only comprehensive information is from either international or continental competitions, which may not provide a full indication of his performances.

As some may already be aware, Tsygankov is a dynamic goalscoring inverted right-winger; something in short supply at the elite level. Similar to Domenico Berardi, Tsygankov prefers to cut inside on his stronger left-foot into the half-space before making a key-pass or shooting at goal.

Unlike some wingers, Tsygankov has not forged his reputation as a one-dimensional player, and possesses speed, technical ability and flair to bamboozle the opposition. Although he’s primarily left-footed, Tsygankov is extremely comfortable shooting with or moving onto his right, making him much harder to defend against. This is evident in the way he’s adept at beating an opposition full-back on the outside or finding space cutting inside, utilising excellent close control as well as bursts of acceleration. Even when it’s clear he wants to cut inside it’s hard for defenders to actually stop him.

Whilst he also creates goals, (he’s registered 21 assists for Dynamo), Tsygankov has a clear eye for goal and will take a shot on if the opportunity presents itself. The ridiculous 3.2 shots taken per game in last season’s UEL are testament to this. Clearly a trigger-happy RW could indicate Tsygankov is selfish, but Tsygankov is more than just a statpadder; he combined his 3.2 shots with 3.3 key passes in the same competition, underlining his creator credentials.

Possessing the intelligence and technical ability to pick out teammates as well as find the target makes him unpredictable when he receives the ball in the right half-space. In terms of goalscoring, he’s certainly capable of scoring world-class screamers from cutting inside, but he also is adept at making late runs into the area; utilising his ‘striker-like’ instincts to finish off team moves.

Tsygankov has racked up a substantial proportion of his 33 career assists from set-pieces, which utilises his ‘wand’ of a left boot. Leicester City regularly waste wide free-kicks and corners, so Tsygankov may help provide a much needed left-footed option on corners and free kicks. In fact, getting set-pieces regularly past the first man would be a welcome improvement, so James Maddison and Youri Tielemans should improve the standard in case Tsygankov arrives!