Vitaliy Mykolenko: Yarmolenko is a true leader and role model

Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko has shared his thoughts on the return of Andriy Yarmolenko to the Ukraine national team. The experienced forward, who missed out on the March 2025 international window, has been recalled following a coaching change.

Mykolenko highlighted the immense impact Yarmolenko has both on and off the pitch. According to the defender, there are only two players in his career who have demonstrated such leadership qualities: Yarmolenko and long-serving Everton captain Seamus Coleman.

I am glad that Andriy is returning to the national team, and I will have more time to learn from him because he is a great, high-quality player and a classy leader. There are only two such footballers in my career. Seamus Coleman is currently finishing his career at Everton after 17 years — and now there is Andriy Yarmolenko. Vitaliy Mykolenko

Mykolenko added that the mere presence of such figures in the dressing room improves team morale and sets a standard that encourages younger players to work harder.