Churko does not understand the absence of Kalyuzhnyi in the Ukrainian national team
On the YouTube channel "ТаТоТаке," former winger of "Metalist 1925" (now - FC "Kharkiv") Vyacheslav Churko commented on the absence of Ivan Kaluzhny from the Ukrainian national team in the recent friendly matches and noted that he does not understand the coaching staff's decision.
Kaluzhny was not called up to the Ukrainian national team by the Italian head coach Andrea Maldera for the recent friendly matches against Poland (2:0) and Denmark (1:2).
"No, I don't understand why. I believe that Kaluzhny can easily play for the national team. He is probably one of the strongest defensive midfielders I have played with in my career."
Churko also praised Kaluzhny's ball control and believes that in this aspect, the midfielder from "Kharkiv" is not inferior to his competitors in the Ukrainian national team.
"He is great with the ball and it's hard to predict what he wants to do. I think there are players in the national team who play in his position in the center of the field, and he handles the ball better than those who play there."
Kaluzhny made his debut for the Ukrainian national team in October 2024. In total, the midfielder has played 14 matches for the national team, scored one goal, and provided one assist. He last appeared for the national team in March of this year in a friendly match against Albania (1:0).
