Columbus Crew defender Yevhen Cheberko has emerged as a key determine in Wilfried Nancy’s again line, serving to the MLS Cup champions keep among the many Jap Convention contenders. In an unique interview with World Soccer Discuss, the Ukrainian worldwide discusses his journey from Europe to MLS, his partnership with Nancy, and the ambitions driving the membership ahead.
Born in Melitopol, Ukraine, Cheberko got here by way of the UFK Dnipro and FC Dnipro youth programs, making 15 skilled appearances earlier than transferring to Zorya Luhansk in 2017. Dnipro’s monetary disaster had despatched the membership from European competitors to break down inside just some years. Initially a central midfielder, Cheberko shifted to protection at Zorya, taking part in each left again and middle again, and earned his first senior Ukraine call-up in 2020.
He performed 45 minutes in a 7–0 pleasant defeat to France after which needed to wait 5 years for a second look. That very same yr, Cheberko joined Austrian Bundesliga facet LASK Linz for a reported €300,000, however struggled for minutes and shortly moved to Osijek in Croatia. Over two seasons there he made 61 appearances, serving to the membership consolidate its place within the Croatian high tier, earlier than signing with Columbus Crew in June 2023.
Two years on, Cheberko is an indispensable a part of Nancy’s protection, with greater than 80 appearances throughout all competitions.
“My relationship with Nancy is sweet—he’s such one that not solely appears to be like at your soccer expertise however tries that will help you in life and offer you recommendation,” Cheberko instructed World Soccer Discuss. “That’s why he’s constructed such ambiance and a wholesome surroundings within the workforce, as a result of each participant trusts him. You is usually a bit extra open with him in distinction to different coaches.”
Like teammates Chris Mavinga and Brad Smith, Cheberko went a few years with out silverware earlier than transferring to MLS. His first season in Columbus ended with the MLS Cup, and his second introduced a Leagues Cup conquer Los Angeles FC and a visit to the CONCACAF Champions Cup Closing, the place the Crew fell to Pachuca, narrowly lacking FIFA Membership World Cup qualification.
Cheberko has been important on each side of the ball. He ranks second on the workforce with 64.3 correct passes per MLS sport, simply behind Sean Zawadzki (64.9), and in addition sits second in clearances per sport (2.6) and third in tackles per sport (1.7). He leads the squad in interceptions (1.1).
“My largest energy is the best way I play with the ball and the way I can discover a resolution with the primary cross and mix with the offensive gamers,” he mentioned. “Due to my previous in midfield, I can do some issues on the ball that different defenders can not. Whereas I’ve remodeled lots as a middle again, I’ve tried to not lose that confidence on the ball. I nonetheless have numerous room for enchancment, so I’m simply attempting to shut that hole and be one of the best model of myself that I can presumably be.”
Columbus are once more in place for a powerful postseason, aiming to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs for a 3rd straight yr. The Crew sit comfortably within the Jap Convention’s high seven and are pushing to keep away from the wild-card spherical.
“The followers continuously give us power in dwelling matches by cheering for us—it doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or tremendous sizzling, they present up and help us,” Cheberko added. “You need to give again to them by performing nicely and successful the sport. When the previous proprietor wished to maneuver the workforce to Austin, the Crew followers took motion to make sure that they didn’t lose the workforce. They’re at all times supporting, at all times asking me questions on my nation, and we simply need to pay it again, do our greatest to win the video games, and characterize the membership and metropolis.”
