Mikhail Fomenko

Fomenko gave Dynamo Kyiv’s 1970s defence authority without unnecessary noise: strong in the air, composed in the tackle and highly reliable inside a coordinated back line. As a centre-back under Lobanovskyi, he was less about individual flourish than defensive synchronisation, covering distances, holding compactness and choosing the right moment to step out. His presence in the 1975 European-winning Dynamo side reflects a defender built for system football before “system football” became a LinkedIn buzzword.