Dynamo bring in defensive cover
Monday, June 29, 2009
Article summary
With less than a fortnight before the new Ukrainian season, FC Dynamo Kyiv have shorn up their injury-ravaged defence by bringing in CA Mineiro captain Leandro Almeida, 22, on a five-year contract.
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FC Dynamo Kyiv have shorn up their injury-ravaged defence by completing the signing of CA Mineiro captain Leandro Almeida on a five-year contract.
Key cover
The versatile centre-back has passed a medical and already linked up with the squad at their pre-season training camp in Austria. The 22-year-old will provide much-needed cover with Pape Diakhate, Goran Sabljić and Taras Mikhalik all sidelined and the start of the new season – the Ukrainian Super Cup against FC Vorskla Poltava – is less than a fortnight away. "Dynamo Kyiv are one of the powerhouses of European football," said Almeida. "I am grateful for the opportunity to play at such a high level and will do my best to prove my worth. I'm ready to play at centre-back, on either flank or as a sweeper."
Brazilian style
A product of the Mineiro academy, Almeida signed professional terms in 2007 and went on to make 101 appearances, scoring 14 times. Most came from the penalty spot, though according to the Belo Horizonte-born youngster his best attributes are "speed, a fast passing game and good aerial ability". He becomes the third Brazilian in the Dynamo ranks, joining Betão and Corrêa.
