Y. Cheberko Columbus Crew Defender #21: Key Player Analysis and 2025 Season Outlook

Hey, Crew fans—if you’ve been tuning in lately, #21 Yevhen Cheberko has probably caught your eye as a steady force in the Columbus defense. Cheberko, a talented Ukrainian center-back, joined the Crew in 2023 and brings a wealth of international experience to that back line.

He’s not the guy lighting up the highlight reels with wild goals, but, honestly, if you’re watching closely, you can’t miss his impact. Cheberko’s career path is a journey—he grew up in Ukraine, played around Europe, and now he’s anchoring one of MLS’s top squads.

Let’s dig into how his background, skills, and stats are shaping the Crew’s defense this season.

Season	Games Played	Games Started	Height	Foot
2023	6	2	1.84 m	Left

You’ll see soon enough why Cheberko is a defender you want to keep an eye on every time he steps onto the pitch. If you want more details, check out his official Crew profile.

Yevhen Cheberko: Player Profile

Cheberko brings a steady, experienced vibe to the Crew’s defense. Folks know him for his calm presence on the backline, his discipline, and a résumé that spans both Ukraine and MLS.

Background and Early Life

Born in Melitopol, Ukraine, on January 23, 1998, Cheberko grew up working on his game in local youth systems. He put in the hours, grinding through tough, competitive environments that have produced some pretty strong defenders.

Even as a kid, Cheberko showed a cool head and a knack for reading the game. Like a lot of Ukrainian players, he started at local clubs, building his foundation on hard-nosed defending and resilience.

Playing Position and Style

Most of the time, you’ll spot Cheberko right at center-back. He’s a central defender who reads the game well and rarely panics.

He doesn’t lean on brute force—his style is all about being in the right place and anticipating the play. Instead of flying into reckless tackles, Cheberko prefers clean challenges and smart decisions.

His passes from the back help the Crew keep possession and start attacks. Teammates play with more confidence when he’s out there, and you can see the stability he brings when things get tense.

He stays disciplined and keeps the organization tight. You won’t catch him diving in or losing his mark often.

Professional Experience

Cheberko kicked off his pro career in Ukraine before making the jump to the U.S. By the time he landed in Columbus, he’d already shown his ability to adapt to different leagues and situations.

Here’s a quick look at his career numbers:

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals
Ukrainian Clubs	2015 – 2023	Varies	Varies
Columbus Crew	2023 – Present	30+	1

He’s also suited up for Ukraine at both youth and senior levels, which says a lot about his quality. Making the Crew roster and earning a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Best XI just adds to his reputation.

Cheberko’s journey paints the picture of a defender who earns respect wherever he goes. He’s always ready for the big assignments and to lift those around him.

Columbus Crew and MLS Journey

Cheberko’s move from European leagues to MLS brought a fresh, reliable presence to the Crew’s backline. His first campaign changed the way fans and coaches looked at the roster—and the team’s run to the championship.

Transfer to Columbus Crew

Cheberko joined the Crew during the MLS Secondary Transfer Window, coming over from Croatian club NK Osijek. At 25, Columbus moved quickly, using an international roster slot and sorting out all the paperwork to make it happen.

The Crew wanted a left-footed center-back who could stay cool under pressure, and Cheberko fit that bill. He got the number 21 shirt and, just like that, the roster shifted to make room for him.

Fans at Lower.com Field got excited, and ticket sales ticked up. The Crew counted on Cheberko to fill a key defensive role and adjust fast to the physical, travel-heavy world of MLS.

MLS Debut and First Season

Cheberko made his MLS debut not long after signing, and he found himself in the starting lineup pretty quickly. Coaches and supporters noticed his calmness and sharp timing right away.

During his first season, Cheberko didn’t just settle in—he became a key part of Columbus’s playoff push. He logged three postseason appearances, including the huge 2023 MLS Cup Final against LAFC, helping the Crew win the trophy at home.

Yevhen Cheberko 2023 MLS Stats:

Season	Club	Appearances	Postseason	Cup Final Apps	MLS Cups Won
2023	Columbus Crew	18	3	1	1

His cool passing, solid positioning, and physical presence locked in his spot on the roster. Cheberko’s first year in Columbus was all about quick adjustments, grit, and real results for Crew fans—adding to the club’s championship legacy. If you’re a Crew supporter, you saw firsthand how a key international signing can make an instant difference.

International and Domestic Career Highlights

Cheberko’s journey through Ukrainian football started early and just kept building. He went from a youth academy standout to a senior team regular, picking up experience across different European leagues.

Ukrainian Premier League and Dnipro

Cheberko’s roots are deep in the competitive Ukrainian Premier League. He learned his trade at UFK Dnipro, an academy with a reputation for producing tough, technically sound players.

He made his pro debut for FC Dnipro in the 2015-16 season. The club was going through some financial headaches at the time, but they kept developing players.

Cheberko played both left-back and center-back, giving coaches some flexibility. He earned more minutes each season, showing his smart defending and ability to adjust to the demands of first-team football.

Season	Club	League Appearances	Goals
2015-2017	FC Dnipro	25	1

Experiences with Zorya Luhansk

After his stint at Dnipro, Cheberko signed with Zorya Luhansk, another strong Ukrainian side. He kept growing, playing more regularly and taking on tougher opponents.

At Zorya, Cheberko embraced bigger challenges, including domestic matches and UEFA competitions. The coaching staff helped him develop a more physical, disciplined style.

He became a steady presence on the back line. This was a real proving ground, showing he could compete at the top level in Ukraine.

Season	Club	League Appearances	Goals
2017-2020	Zorya Luhansk	49	2

Stint at Osijek and Croatian First Division

Next up was a move to Croatia with NK Osijek in the Hrvatska nogometna liga. This step introduced Cheberko to a new football culture and tactical approach.

He adapted fast, cementing himself in Osijek’s defense. His timing and ball skills stood out in a league that values technical play.

Cheberko helped Osijek finish strong in the league and go deep in cup competitions. His time in Croatia really highlighted his reliability and growth as a defender.

Season	Club	League Appearances	Goals
2020-2023	NK Osijek	47	1

You can see how each stop in his career added to his development.

European Club Experience

Cheberko’s European career shows a steady climb through respected leagues and consistent performances for top clubs. His time in Austria stands out, especially with some big matches domestically and in Europe.

Austrian Bundesliga and LASK

Cheberko’s move to LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga marked a big step. He joined a club with a strong tradition, perfect for developing and testing his skills.

At LASK, Cheberko showed off his defensive chops in a league that demands tactical intelligence. The Austrian Bundesliga isn’t easy, and every appearance mattered.

LASK Stats Table

Season	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played	Goals
2020-21	Data not fully available	–	–	–

LASK battles for top spots every year, so Cheberko got to test himself against clubs like Red Bull Salzburg. These high-pressure games really pushed his tactical understanding.

UEFA Europa League Participation

Playing for LASK, Cheberko got the chance to compete in the UEFA Europa League. That’s one of the toughest club tournaments around.

For a defender, it’s a real test. You face forwards with all kinds of styles from across Europe. Cheberko used those matches to sharpen his awareness and adjust to new tactics.

Playing on the European stage boosted his profile and gave him valuable experience. You could see his poise and reliability under the spotlight, which bodes well for his future with club and country.

Playing Role and Tactical Flexibility

Cheberko wears #21 for Columbus Crew and owns a key spot in defense. You’ll notice his game intelligence in his defensive work, his passing, and the way he adapts to whatever the team needs on the field.

Centre-Back Responsibilities

Alright, let’s talk about the centre-back role. Your job? Keep that back line steady and organized.

Cheberko does a great job here. He keeps his eyes on attackers and makes sure his teammates don’t lose their shape.

He wins those one-on-one duels—he’s just really reliable. You’ll notice he doesn’t dive in recklessly; instead, he times his tackles and wins the ball without getting pulled out of position.

Cheberko brings real presence in the air, especially when the Crew have to defend set pieces. At six feet tall, he goes up strong and rarely loses those battles.

He likes to step out from the back, cutting out passes or breaking up attacks before they get dangerous.

He’s not shy about directing traffic, either. You’ll hear him calling out to teammates, making sure everyone tracks their runners.

That kind of vocal leadership? It’s huge, especially in those tight matches where one mistake can decide everything.

Defensive Stats:

Season	Tackles	Interceptions	Clearances	Blocks
2023	32	29	75	16

Offensive Attributes

Now, Cheberko isn’t just your classic stay-at-home defender. He’s got some skills going forward.

His first touch? Smooth. He keeps his cool, even when forwards press him hard.

You’ll spot his vision from the back—he loves those diagonal balls that spark counterattacks.

When the Crew need to push up, Cheberko joins in. That left foot of his opens up passing lanes and lets him switch play or break a press.

He’ll play it short to midfielders, but he’s not afraid to ping a long ball out to a winger or fullback.

On set pieces, you’ll catch Cheberko sneaking into the box, trying to use his height for a header. Even if he doesn’t score, his movement creates space for others.

Tactical Flexibility on the Field

Here’s what really jumps off the page: Cheberko’s tactical flexibility. He can play left center-back in a back four, but you can slot him into a back three and he fits just fine.

His experience across different leagues shows. He adapts to new formations like it’s nothing.

Coaches put their faith in him to anchor the defense or cover wide if the fullbacks push up. He reads the game and shifts his positioning so gaps don’t open up.

Cheberko’s ability to adjust means you can use him in just about any system. That’s gold in a league where lineups change all the time due to injuries, travel, or matchups.

International Youth and Senior Representation

Yevhen Cheberko’s journey includes a ton of time with Ukrainian youth national teams and a big moment with the senior squad. His growth at these levels helped shape his defensive instincts and experience.

Ukrainian Youth International Teams

Cheberko climbed through the Ukrainian youth international ranks, playing at U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19, and U-21. Over the years, you’d watch him go from a promising kid to a trusted starter in big youth matches.

He faced regular competition against Europe’s best young players. Coaches used him in central defense, and he built a reputation for his steady positioning and calm under pressure.

His games didn’t always fill the scoresheet, but scouts—both in Ukraine and abroad—started to take notice.

Youth International Appearances

Age Group	Caps	Goals
U-16	2	0
U-17	7	1
U-18	6	0
U-19	5	0
U-21	13	0

Cheberko racked up more than 30 appearances for his country at youth level. That tells you just how much Ukraine believed in his potential as he developed.

Senior Debut and Friendlies

Cheberko made it to the senior national team in October 2020. He debuted in a friendly against France—a huge moment that put him on the international stage.

France was one of the world’s best squads at the time. The coaches trusted Cheberko’s defensive chops enough to throw him in there.

He didn’t score or grab an assist, but just getting that call-up said a lot about his work over the years.

That’s still his only senior cap so far, but it proved he can compete at the highest level. Even one match with the national team gives a player a mental edge and experience against top opponents.

For fans following his path, that debut against France stands out as a real highlight.

Notable Matches and Achievements

Cheberko wasted no time making his mark with Columbus Crew. He stepped up in big matches and earned respect for key performances.

His defensive work, knack for coming through in crucial moments, and presence in major tournaments have built his reputation in MLS.

Professional Goal Highlights

Cheberko’s story starts with early milestones back home. He scored his first pro goal for FC Dnipro against Volyn Lutsk in April 2017.

That goal gave him a real confidence boost and set the tone for what was coming.

After coming to Columbus, Cheberko played a steady hand in the postseason. He made three appearances as the Crew battled through tough playoff games.

He played a huge role in the 2023 MLS Cup final, helping the Crew win the championship in his first season. Defensively, he didn’t miss a beat.

Key Statistics

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Honors
2016-17	FC Dnipro	8	1	–
2023	Columbus Crew	19	0	MLS Cup Win

Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup

Cheberko has tested himself in regional tournaments, stepping up against clubs from MLS and Liga MX in the Leagues Cup.

He handled those pressure moments and the fast pace.

In the Concacaf Champions Cup, Cheberko’s defending faced some of the best teams in North and Central America. He showed off his tackling and awareness, helping the Crew go deeper into the tournament.

You’d spot him in the Best XI or key matchday lineups in those big Cup fixtures. His efforts in these games show he’s a defender you can trust when it matters.

If you want more numbers and updates, check out the official Columbus Crew profile.

Key Teammates and Coaching Staff

Let’s not forget the folks around Cheberko. The players next to him and the brains on the sidelines play a big role in his performance with Columbus Crew.

You get a real sense of where his defensive chemistry comes from and how the staff push the team forward.

Partnerships with Defenders

Cheberko lines up with defenders like Steven Moreira, Malte Amundsen, and Mohamed Farsi. With those guys nearby, you see sharp passing, smart positioning, and support on both sides.

Steven Moreira brings experience and calm, especially when things get tense. Malte Amundsen’s speed lets him cover ground and make big recoveries.

Mohamed Farsi? He’s got the energy and loves to push forward from wingback, connecting defense to midfield.

You’ll also spot younger options like Issa Tall, giving the group flexibility for different matches.

With this crew, Cheberko gets tactical cover and the freedom to play to his strengths. Here’s a quick look at what they bring:

Player	Appearances (2023)	Key Strength
Steven Moreira	34	Leadership, distribution
Malte Amundsen	29	Speed, tackling
Mohamed Farsi	30	Stamina, forward runs
Yevhen Cheberko	6	Positioning, passing

Leadership Team and Management

Behind the scenes, the Crew’s leadership team shapes everything you see on matchday. The technical department, with folks like Neil McGuinness, handles scouting and keeps the roster balanced.

Coaches make the calls on tactics, lineups, and player development. You’ll notice strong communication from the bench and a willingness to tweak the approach as needed.

Cheberko benefits from this mix of European training and MLS know-how. Young and veteran players blend together, and the staff’s support helps defenders like Cheberko add new tools to their game.

The stable structure here keeps the Crew in the hunt for trophies year after year.

Transfers and Contract Details

Cheberko’s move to Columbus Crew was a big step in the team’s roster build.

His journey to MLS included a transfer fee and the usual international paperwork.

Loan Moves and Transfer Fees

Columbus Crew signed Cheberko from NK Osijek in Croatia. This was a full transfer, not a loan.

There’s no record of him joining on loan at any point. That permanent move shows Columbus wanted to invest in experienced defenders.

The reported market value back then was about €1.5 million. Transfermarkt lists his contract running through 2026—a solid four-year deal.

That gives Cheberko job security and makes him a key part of the Crew’s back line.

Transfer Detail Table:

From Club	To Club	Date	Transfer Type	Reported Fee	Contract End
NK Osijek (Croatia)	Columbus Crew	July 2023	Permanent	~€1.5 million	2026

We don’t have exact salary numbers, but it’s clear Columbus values him highly. There were no swap deals or extra moves involved.

International Transfer Process

To bring Cheberko to MLS, Columbus Crew had to secure an international roster slot. Cheberko isn’t a domestic player, so that spot lets him join the team.

The club also processed his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) through FIFA rules. The ITC makes sure he’s eligible to play in the U.S. and that everything’s settled with NK Osijek.

Timing was key. Cheberko joined the Crew roster when the MLS secondary transfer window opened in July, according to NBC4i.

Columbus handled the paperwork quickly, so Cheberko could play soon after arriving. The whole process shows the club’s growing international reach and focus on defensive depth.

Memorable Opponents and Rivalries

Cheberko’s time with Columbus Crew has put him up against plenty of tough teams.

He’s faced local rivals, rising Midwest clubs, and some of the league’s best defensive sides. Those matchups keep him sharp and bring out his best.

FC Cincinnati and St. Louis CITY SC

Let’s be honest—when you talk rivalries in MLS, you just can’t skip over FC Cincinnati. Their battles with Columbus Crew, known as the “Hell is Real” derby, always bring out a wild, almost electric intensity.

Cheberko actually made his MLS debut in that very matchup. That’s a heck of a way to start, right? The game itself? Absolutely fierce. Defenders like Cheberko had to deal with tight marking and plenty of physical scraps along the back line.

The crowd? Oh, they turned up the pressure, and you could feel that energy pulsing through the stadium. It’s the kind of environment that demands your best effort, especially if you’re defending.

Now, St. Louis CITY SC might be the new kids on the block, but let’s not kid ourselves—they’ve already made themselves a must-watch opponent. Whenever these two teams face off, you’ll see hard-fought midfield clashes and lightning-quick transitions.

Cheberko knows that facing St. Louis means he has to stay sharp and adapt to their relentless pace. Those games really test a defender’s instincts, thanks to the raw energy and physical play.

Key Rivalry Stats

Rival	Debut Appearance	Intensity Rating*	Typical Position
FC Cincinnati	Yes (MLS debut)	Very High	Center Back
St. Louis CITY SC	No	High	Center Back

*Intensity Rating is based on local atmosphere and player interviews.

Notable Matches Against Houston and French Clubs

Columbus Crew and Houston Dynamo never just go through the motions. These teams really try to control the midfield, and it shows.

Cheberko jumped into his first MLS start against Houston. He mixed sharp positioning with some gutsy clearances on set pieces. That effort kept the Crew’s defense steady, even when things got tense.

You’ll notice these matches usually turn on a single moment—a big block, a timely interception. That’s just the nature of these clashes.

Now, when the Crew faces French clubs, it’s a whole different vibe. These games usually pop up in preseason or during international tournaments.

French teams bring a slower, almost surgical approach. They’re patient, they move the ball with precision, and they make you work for every inch. Cheberko and the back line have to stay dialed in, always ready to react.

Honestly, playing against those French sides sharpens your instincts. You start reading the game a split second faster.

Match Highlights List

• Cheberko’s first MLS start vs. Houston Dynamo: August 30, 2023
• He racked up clean sheets and put in clutch tackles, especially on the road
• Friendlies against French clubs really tested the Crew’s shape and patience with all that possession and quick passing