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Sky Sports Scout - Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Sky Sports Scout is where we scour the globe looking for the best talent, next up is Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

We run the rule over ArmenianHenrikh Mkhitaryan

Sky Sports Scout is our exciting feature where we scour the globe looking out for the best talent and bring you a report on what we find. Our Scout will report back and you can comment on what you think of our appraisal. Also, in association with Football Manager, we give all readers the chance to win a copy of the latest game by nominating a player. You can only nominate a player by emailing here, including the word 'Scout' in your subject line and please check to make sure we haven't already covered the player! Should your player get reviewed by our scout, and you were first to send in his name, then you will win a copy of the all new Football Manager 2011 - which is released on November 5th. Latest under our scout's gaze is Shakhtar Donetsk's Henrikh Mkhitaryan - recommended by Sky Sports reader John Boston.

The scout reports...

Shakhtar Donetsk's Henrikh Mkhitaryan is emerging as one of the finest prospects in Eastern Europe, the Sky Sports Scout now checks on the exciting Armenian. Mkhitaryan is an attacking midfielder, currently lighting up the Ukrainian league with Shakthar - having only recently joined them in a deal worth around £5million. The 21-year-old began his playing career back in his homeland with local club Pyunik Yerevan. Having made his debut in 2006, he quickly emerged became a regular starter. Within 12-months of his first-team debut, he also rose through the ranks of the Armenia national set-up playing for the Under-17s, Under-19s and Under-21s before he was handed his first senior start in January 2007. In 2009 he was voted Armenian Player of the Year and having scored some 30 goals in just 70 appearances for Yerevan and helping them to four successive league titles, he was snapped up by Ukrainian outfit Metalurh Donetsk. Despite the step up in leagues, Mkhitaryan made the move seamlessly and quickly became a firm fans favourite, and in his first 12-months scored 12 goals for Metalurh, and was even made the youngest captain in their history in July this year. Despite being made captain, just a matter of weeks later Metalurh sold Mkhitaryan as their city rivals and league champions Shakthar came calling and they struck a deal for the young midfielder. Mkhitaryan is already making a big impact at Shakthar and has scored twice in his first four games, and it is clear to see how much potential he has. Despite being a midfielder, Mkhitaryan is all about the last third of the pitch. His excellent vision, coupled with a eye for goal, make him a huge threat to any opposition. His passing is his main weapon and when plays in his preferred role of just behind the striker, he can unlock a defensive sometimes at will. He is also used on the wings, something which he may have to get more used to - although he is far more affective in the middle. His physique is good and as he is only 21, he has more than enough time to develop this further, and Shakthar looks an excellent place for him to mature. A self-confessed Arsenal fan, Mkhitaryan has stated that his dream move would be to the Emirates for him to work under Arsene Wenger.

The scout says...

A very good young player, who if he progresses as he has done in recent years, will surely have some of Europe's giants come calling in the not too distant future. Will be interesting to see how much of an impact he can make with Shakthar in the coming 12-months.

The Scout rating...

Shooting: 7 out of 10 Passing: 8 out of 10 Tackling: 6 out of 10 Heading: 6 out of 10 Pace: 8 out of 10 Vision: 8 out of 10 Current ability: 7 out of 10 Potential ability: 10 out of 10 OVERALL SCOUT RATING: 60/80 Current value: £7million Potential value: £20million
Your opinion...
You have read our opinion of Mkhitaryan - now we want your views. Have you seen Mkhitaryan in action? Do you agree with our assessment? Do you think he will make it? And if you have spotted anyone you think we should feature then please get in touch using the same form. We will look to send out the Scout to follow up some of your leads.