Overview
Artem Anatoliiovych Kravets, born on June 3, 1989, in Dniprodzerzhynsk, Ukrainian SSR, is a Ukrainian professional footballer who has built a career as a centre-forward. Standing at 1.85 meters, Kravets combines physical strength with an opportunistic goal-scoring ability, often thriving as a poacher within the opposition's box. His career has seen him play for prominent clubs in Ukraine, Germany, and Turkey, with his most significant period spent at Dynamo Kyiv.
Position
Kravets primarily plays as a striker or centre-forward. His role typically involves leading the line, holding up play, and providing a focal point for attacks. He is adept at finding space in congested penalty areas and converting chances, often demonstrating good anticipation and finishing skills with both feet and his head. While his primary focus is goal-scoring, he also contributes to linking play and pressing defenders.
Identity
Artem Kravets is best described as a traditional number nine with a strong work ethic. He is known for his physicality, which allows him to compete effectively against defenders, and his knack for being in the right place at the right time to score crucial goals. Throughout his career, he has been a reliable, if not always prolific, source of goals for his teams, particularly when given consistent playing time. His resilience and determination on the pitch are also notable attributes that define his playing identity.
Career path
Artem Kravets' football journey began in Ukraine, progressing through the youth ranks to senior professional football.
Dynamo Kyiv (2006–2017)
Kravets joined the Dynamo Kyiv academy in 2004, progressing through their youth and reserve teams before making his senior debut. He signed his first professional contract with Dynamo Kyiv in 2006. His senior debut for the club's first team came in 2007. Over several seasons, Kravets became an integral part of Dynamo Kyiv's squad, experiencing both domestic success and European competition. During his extensive tenure, he contributed to multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles and Ukrainian Cup victories.
Loan spells in Germany (2016–2017)
In the latter half of the 2015–2016 season, Kravets moved to German Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on loan, seeking more regular first-team football. He featured in 15 league matches for VfB Stuttgart, scoring 1 goal, as the club ultimately suffered relegation from the top flight [Transfermarkt]. For the 2016–2017 season, he remained in Germany, joining SV Darmstadt 98 on another loan spell. At Darmstadt, he made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga, finding the net 7 times [Transfermarkt], showcasing his ability to score at the highest level of German football despite the team's struggles.
Kayserispor (2018–2020)
Following his return to Dynamo Kyiv, Kravets made a permanent move to Turkey, joining Süper Lig club Kayserispor in January 2018 [Wikipedia]. He spent two and a half seasons with Kayserispor, where he was a key attacking player. His time in Turkey was marked by consistent goal-scoring contributions, making him a fan favorite. He recorded 20 goals in 62 appearances for the club [Transfermarkt] before departing in 2020.
Return to Ukraine and subsequent moves
After his spell in Turkey, Kravets returned to Ukraine for a brief period with Dynamo Kyiv. He then moved on to other clubs, including Konyaspor in Turkey again and eventually further moves in his career. Each transfer reflected his desire for playing opportunities and his continued commitment to professional football, adapting to different leagues and tactical systems.
Playing style
Artem Kravets is characterized by a playing style typical of a traditional centre-forward, combining a strong physical presence with an instinct for goal-scoring. His attributes make him a challenging opponent for defenders, particularly within the penalty area.
Finishing and Poaching
Kravets' primary strength lies in his finishing ability. He possesses a good understanding of movement off the ball, allowing him to position himself effectively to receive passes or capitalize on rebounds. His goals often come from close range, demonstrating his predatory instincts and ability to react quickly in crowded situations. He is capable of scoring with both feet and his head, making him a versatile threat in front of goal. Statistical data from his time at Darmstadt 98, for example, showed a relatively high conversion rate for a forward in a struggling team, underscoring his efficiency when presented with chances [FBref].
Physicality and Hold-up Play
At 1.85 meters, Kravets uses his height and strength effectively to hold up the ball and bring teammates into play. He can shield the ball from defenders, allowing midfielders to make runs forward. This aspect of his game is crucial for teams that rely on a central striker to act as a pivot in their attacking build-up. While not exceptionally fast, his physical attributes enable him to stand his ground against robust centre-backs.
Work Rate and Pressing
Beyond his attacking contributions, Kravets is also known for his defensive work rate. He often engages in pressing from the front, attempting to disrupt opposition build-up play and force turnovers high up the pitch. This commitment to defensive duties makes him a valuable asset in modern football, where forwards are increasingly expected to contribute to the team's overall defensive structure. He can be compared to forwards like Olivier Giroud in terms of his ability to be a physical target man who also contributes defensively and has a knack for scoring crucial goals, even if not always spectacular ones.
Achievements & honours
Artem Kravets has enjoyed a successful career, particularly during his multiple spells with Dynamo Kyiv, where he accumulated significant domestic silverware. His contributions were vital in securing several league titles and cup triumphs for the Ukrainian giants.
Club Honours
| Competition | Club | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Ukrainian Premier League | Dynamo Kyiv | 2008–09, 2014–15, 2015–16 |
| Ukrainian Cup | Dynamo Kyiv | 2013–14, 2014–15 |
| Ukrainian Super Cup | Dynamo Kyiv | 2009, 2011, 2016 |
Individual Milestones
While not a recipient of numerous individual awards, Kravets has achieved notable milestones throughout his career. His consistent goal-scoring for clubs like Dynamo Kyiv and Kayserispor, as well as his contributions to the Ukraine national team, mark a career of solid performance. He has often been lauded for his professionalism and commitment to his teams, proving to be a reliable striker in various challenging leagues.
International career
Artem Kravets has represented the Ukraine national football team, making his senior debut and participating in significant international fixtures throughout his career.
Senior National Team
Kravets earned his first call-up to the Ukraine national team in 2011. His debut for the senior squad came on June 8, 2011, in a friendly match against France [FIFA]. Over his international career, he accumulated 28 caps for Ukraine, scoring 8 goals. His goals often came in crucial moments, highlighting his ability to perform on the international stage.
Major Tournament Appearances
Although Ukraine participated in several major tournaments during his playing career, Kravets' involvement was sometimes limited by injuries or competition for places. He was part of the squad during qualifying campaigns for FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. His most significant impact came during the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, where he scored important goals that helped Ukraine reach the final tournament. He was ultimately included in Ukraine's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2016 [UEFA], providing an attacking option from the bench.
Role for Country
For Ukraine, Kravets often served as a traditional centre-forward, tasked with holding up play, providing a target in the box, and converting chances. His physical presence and aerial ability were particularly valued against strong defensive opposition. While not always a guaranteed starter, he was a reliable option for the national team coach, often coming off the bench to impact games or starting in specific tactical setups.
What makes Artem Kravets stand out
Artem Kravets distinguishes himself through a combination of traditional striker attributes and an unwavering commitment to his team's efforts. His ability to consistently find scoring positions, especially in the penalty area, is a key trait. He possesses a natural poacher's instinct, often anticipating where the ball will fall and reacting quicker than defenders to convert chances. This sharpness in front of goal, coupled with his physical strength, allows him to operate effectively as a focal point in attack.
Another standout characteristic is his resilience and adaptability. After successful periods with Dynamo Kyiv, he sought opportunities in competitive leagues like the German Bundesliga and the Turkish Süper Lig, demonstrating a willingness to test himself in different footballing environments. Despite facing strong defensive opposition and challenging team situations, he managed to contribute goals and maintain his professional standards.
"Kravets is a forward who always gives his all. He might not be the flashiest player, but he's effective and reliable in the box."