by kazza » Tue Jun 04, 2013 9:44 am
From Skysports last season
Shakhtar Donetsk's Henrikh Mkhitaryan is emerging as one of the finest prospects in Eastern Europe, the Sky Sports Scout now checks on the exciting Armenian.
Mkhitaryan is an attacking midfielder, currently lighting up the Ukrainian league with Shakthar - having only recently joined them in a deal worth around £5million.
The 21-year-old began his playing career back in his homeland with local club Pyunik Yerevan. Having made his debut in 2006, he quickly emerged became a regular starter.
Within 12-months of his first-team debut, he also rose through the ranks of the Armenia national set-up playing for the Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-21s before he was handed his first senior start in January 2007.
In 2009 he was voted Armenian Player of the Year and having scored some 30 goals in just 70 appearances for Yerevan and helping them to four successive league titles, he was snapped up by Ukrainian outfit Metalurh Donetsk.
Despite the step up in leagues, Mkhitaryan made the move seamlessly and quickly became a firm fans favourite, and in his first 12-months scored 12 goals for Metalurh, and was even made the youngest captain in their history in July this year.
Despite being made captain, just a matter of weeks later Metalurh sold Mkhitaryan as their city rivals and league champions Shakthar came calling and they struck a deal for young midfielder.
Mkhitaryan is already making a big impact at Shakthar and has scored twice in his first four games, and it is clear to see how much potential he has.
Despite being a midfielder, Mkhitaryan is all about the last third of the pitch. His excellent vision, coupled with a eye for goal, make him a huge threat to any opposition.
His passing is his main weapon and when plays in his preferred role of just behind the striker, he can unlock a defensive sometimes at will. He is also used on the wings, something which he may have to get more used to - although he is far more affective in the middle.
His physique is good and as he is only 21, he has more than enough time to develop this further, and Shakthar looks an excellent place for him to mature.
A self-confessed Arsenal fan, Mkhitaryan has stated that his dream move would be to the Emirates for him to work under Arsene Wenger.
The scout says...
A very good young player, who if he progresses as he has done in recent years, will surely have some of Europe's giants come calling in the not too distant future.
Will be interesting to see how much of an impact he can make with Shakthar in the coming 12-months.
The Scout rating...
Shooting: 7 out of 10
Passing: 8 out of 10
Tackling: 6 out of 10
Heading: 6 out of 10
Pace: 8 out of 10
Vision: 8 out of 10
Current ability: 7 out of 10
Potential ability: 10 out of 10
OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 60/80
Current value: £7million
Potential value: £20million
