Shakhtar Donetsk has been Ukraineas dominant side for the entire 21st century.
Their first Ukrainian Premier League title came in a?02 and theyave added eight titles since. Dynamo Kiev have since put a halt to Shakhtaras success, being crowned champions for the last two seasons, but itas still a impressive streak.
Shakhtar Donetsk havenat made much of an impact in Europe, however. Aside from winning the UEFA Cup in a?09, the Miners have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League just once.
Paulo Fonsecaas team were beaten by Young Boys in the third qualifying round of this yearas competition, demoting them to the Europa League.
They have however, won both of their group games in Europeas inferior competition and are riding high atop the Ukrainian Premier League with nine wins in 10 games and a six-point lead over Dynamo.
Yet there seems to be an urgency around the Donbass Arena to become a team recognized as a threat in the Champions League. Shakhtar Donetsk always seem to be stuck between being one of the best teams in their country but some way beneath the level required to compete with Europeas best.
Part of the reason for that, obviously, is that they are very much a selling club. Shakhtar nurture talent but are unable to prevent them leaving when the giants come smashing down their doors!.
So inspired by Give me Sport and Squawka, The Sports Doze takes a look at Shakhtar Donetskas team if theyad never sold any good players!!
GK | ANDRIY PYATOV | SHAKHTAR DONETSK
Pyatov has made over 300 appearances for the Ukranian club since his arrivial in 2007.
