EXCLUSIVE: Midfield engine Yarmolyuk on Rice comparisons and Brentford's push for Europe

Yarmolyuk signed with Brentford from Dnipro-1 back in 2022, progressing through the now-discontinued reserves squad. He secured a place in the senior team during Thomas Frank's time in charge and has turned into a key asset this season under Keith Andrews.

Therefore, it comes as little surprise that sides like Manchester United have taken notice of him, as covered by Flashscore at the start of the campaign.

"My role in the team has changed a lot. I've been playing a lot this season. It was a pleasure to work with Thomas (Frank), and now I'm really enjoying working with Keith (Andrews). Both of them are top coaches," Yarmolyuk shares with Flashscore during a concise discussion.

Yarmolyuk keeps advancing while partnering with two established figures. He forms a midfield pairing with Mathias Jensen, a fixture for Brentford since their Championship era, or Jordan Henderson, the seasoned England star and ex-Liverpool captain.

"They're good, experienced teammates. It’s great to have them in the team and learn from each other," he adds.

The emerging Ukrainian midfielder currently dominates the Premier League across various physical categories.

At 11.47 km per 90 minutes, he tops the table for distance run. He also heads High Speed Distance Covered, as the only one surpassing 1,000 metres per 90 in that metric. Furthermore, he leads in High Intensity Runs per 90 minutes at 91.33.

"It’s great to achieve something like this. I’m just enjoying playing football and helping the team get results from game to game," he comments.

Pressed on figures who motivate him, he highlights a central force in Arsenal's bid for the crown. "Declan Rice is a good example for me. He can do everything on the pitch, so it’s nice to learn from him," Yarmolyuk explains to Flashscore.

Fittingly, Rice trails just behind the Ukrainian in High Intensity Runs and High Speed Distance Covered.

The unyielding Brentford midfielder ranks highly too in interceptions and ball recoveries across the league.

His endurance will prove even more vital now, with Brentford holding seventh position, mere two points from a European berth, ahead of vital fixtures versus Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

"It’s good that we can fight for Europe, and we will do our best to achieve something. It has already been a good season for the club, and the dream of Europe is still alive. We’re going to leave everything on the pitch in the final two games," Yarmolyuk assures the Brentford supporters.