It was late for Artem Dovbyk to take the lead. He got lost early, left Ukraine as an adult, returned to Dnipro for two years, went without again in the 3.5 years he spent in Denmark, first at Midland and then at Senteriske, making more than two games a year as a starter.

His repatriation was legal, a decision that completely changed the 26-year-old forward’s career. In the first season of his second term in Dnipro he scored half a dozen goals in the league, in the next 14 and last year he was the league’s top scorer with 24 goals.

A development that has now made him one of the most important options for the Ukrainian national team, coveted but in a completely different context and on a completely different basis in the international market and of course the biggest threat to Panathinaikos in the two encounters with runners-up Ukraine in the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League.

After Domingo Blanco, Sportish, in collaboration with Ukrainian journalist Vadim Takhterin, continues to dig into the inside of the Greens’ opponents and hosts an interview with Dnipro’s top scorer, who is positioned both in terms of the ‘Cloverleaf’ clash and his own, possibly immediate, future.

We all expect two very strong games with Panathinaikos but there is no favourite

– What is your opinion on Panathinaikos?

“This is one of the strongest teams in the Greek league, an excellent team that always takes the lead and has a very important tradition in international competitions.” We are all expecting two very strong, very tough games and I’m sure nothing will be decided in Kozice, but everything will be settled in the second leg in Athens.”

– So you don’t see a favorite?

“No, I wouldn’t say that. I think they are a very balanced pair and that will show on the field.”

– What are your expectations in Dnipro?

“Our most important and first goal is to compete in the groups of an international competition. It goes without saying that our dream, our ultimate goal, is to be in the Champions League and we will give it our all as we are given a historically unique opportunity to achieve that.”

– Does the war in Ukraine give an additional impetus, especially for local footballers, to represent the country as best as possible and aim for a great honor?

“For us it is a very big motivation, but also a big responsibility. The whole world knows what is happening in Ukraine. And we know how much we will psychologically stimulate our fans, our compatriots, if we achieve something important.”

We don’t care about anything, whether it’s the weather or the stands

– What is the disadvantage for Dnipro and what is the advantage for Panathinaikos if they cannot compete at home or in the country?

“I don’t think it matters that much in our squad as we have the relative experience of last season and are now used to playing as a home team in these particular conditions.”

– Another special condition will be both the atmosphere in the stands in the replay and the heat that will surely await you.

“We are not afraid of anything. We don’t worry about the weather or the grandstands happening. We know how warm the Greek fans are, how much they support and love their teams, but that’s all.” It will be difficult, yes, but I hope it will be similarly difficult for Panathinaikos because in Kozice we will have the support of our own fans, who also helped us a lot at the European games last year.”

– Will this summer be your last dance with the Dnipro jersey? How much do you think about a transfer and how much does the related discussion affect you?

“I can’t know what the future will bring and I’m thinking of nothing but how I’m going to score and how I’m going to do everything in my power to help Dnipro reach the Champions League groups.”