Y. Cheberko, Columbus Crew Defender #21: Profile, Stats & Impact

You’ve seen defenders come and go, but not many show the composure and precision that Yevhen Cheberko brings. The 27-year-old from Melitopol, Ukraine, has settled in as a steady presence for the Columbus Crew, wearing number 21 with a kind of quiet confidence.

You can count on Cheberko to anchor the back line. He makes calm decisions and keeps his positioning sharp, which really throws off opposing attackers.

Cheberko’s route to MLS started in Europe. He picked up experience with Zorya Luhansk, Linzer ASK, and NK Osijek before landing in Columbus in 2023.

His first year in Columbus ended with an MLS Cup victory. Not many newcomers can say the same.

That quick success made it clear he’s more than just another international signing. He adapts fast and delivers when it matters.

His background—from his early pro debut in Ukraine to his current role in Ohio—shapes how he sees the field. He blends technical skill with defensive awareness, and that makes him a key piece in the Crew’s system.

If you’re watching the Crew, you’ll want to keep an eye on him every time he’s out there.

Y. Cheberko’s Role at Columbus Crew

You see Yevhen Cheberko as a defender who values structure, timing, and efficiency. He plays with careful positioning and steady passing, and his disciplined approach fits right into the Crew’s balanced system.

Defensive Responsibilities

Cheberko’s defensive work starts with reading the game early. He tracks attackers, cuts off passing lanes, and uses his left foot to clear danger.

His 6-foot frame gives him an edge in aerial duels, especially against big, physical forwards.

Cheberko keeps the back line organized. He stays calm under pressure and doesn’t rush into tackles, preferring to use his positioning to force mistakes.

He picked up those habits at Zorya Luhansk and NK Osijek, learning to time interceptions instead of relying on pure speed.

In Columbus, you’ll often spot him paired with Steven Moreira or Rudy Camacho. They form a unit that values communication and stays compact.

He anticipates transitions well, which helps the Crew keep their shape even when fullbacks push up.

Key Defensive Stats (2023 Season)

Category	Statistic
Appearances	6
Starts	2
Tackles per 90	1.8
Clearances per 90	3.2
Interceptions per 90	1.4

These numbers show a player who does his job quietly but effectively. He anchors the defense without taking unnecessary risks.

Position Analysis

You’ll usually find Cheberko as a left-sided center-back in a three-man or four-man back line. He’s comfortable on the ball, which lets Columbus play out from the back—something coach Wilfried Nancy wants.

When the Crew build possession, Cheberko drops deep to give goalkeeper Patrick Schulte a short passing option. His passing accuracy helps the team move quickly from defense to midfield.

His international experience with Ukraine shows up in his composure. He makes smart decisions under pressure, choosing safe passes instead of forcing long balls.

That reliability makes him a trusted part of the roster.

Cheberko’s time at Dnipro University of Physical Education and Sport helped him understand tactics. That education gave him the foundation to succeed in different leagues.

Jersey Number Significance

The number 21 on Cheberko’s back isn’t just random. For him, it represents a balance between youth and maturity, marking his steady growth from Ukrainian football to MLS.

Crew supporters recognize the number now. They value consistency over flash, and Cheberko fits that vibe.

He joined the Columbus Crew in June 2023, debuted in the Leagues Cup, and later won the MLS Cup in his first season.

That success gave number 21 a bit of a legacy in the team’s recent history.

Fans now associate 21 with a defender who rarely makes headlines but delivers reliability every match. That kind of presence keeps a roster balanced and a back line steady.

You can check out his current profile and stats on the official Columbus Crew site.

Career Journey and Club History

You can trace Yevhen Cheberko’s growth through steady progress across several leagues. From his early days in Ukraine to stints in Austria and Croatia, and now his move to the Columbus Crew, his path shows a defender who keeps adapting and maturing.

Early Years in Ukraine

Cheberko’s professional foundation took shape in Ukraine’s top division. Born in Melitopol, he joined FC Dnipro, making 14 appearances and scoring his first pro goal in 2017.

His left-footed balance and calmness on the ball made him a reliable young defender.

He moved on to Zorya Luhansk, where he played over 50 league matches. Competing in the Ukrainian Premier League, he faced strong domestic opponents and picked up experience in European qualifiers.

He also represented Ukraine at youth international levels. That period sharpened his positional awareness.

His time in Ukraine proved he could read the game early and defend under pressure—traits that would define his career abroad.

Club	Years	League	Appearances	Goals
FC Dnipro	2016–2017	Ukrainian Premier League	14	1
Zorya Luhansk	2017–2020	Ukrainian Premier League	53	0

Move to European Leagues

Cheberko took the next step in 2020, joining Linzer ASK (LASK) in the Austrian Bundesliga. He made just a handful of appearances, but the move exposed him to faster play and higher tactical demands.

In 2021, he went on loan to NK Osijek in Croatia, then made the transfer permanent. There, he played over 30 matches in the 2021–22 season, showing more consistency and awareness.

His European seasons helped him transition from a domestic prospect to a composed, internationally experienced defender.

Facing clubs that play in the Champions League and Europa League, he learned to handle different attacking styles and stay disciplined in various systems.

Club	Years	League	Appearances	Goals
LASK	2020–2022	Austrian Bundesliga	7	0
NK Osijek	2021–2022	Croatian First Football League	31	0

Transition to MLS

Cheberko’s move to the Columbus Crew in 2023 really changed his career. He joined a competitive Major League Soccer (MLS) side and adapted quickly to the league’s physical pace and travel.

He made his debut in the Leagues Cup against St. Louis CITY SC, then played his first MLS match versus FC Cincinnati.

By the end of his first season, he’d appeared in six matches and helped the Crew win the 2023 MLS Cup, as noted by the Columbus Crew official site.

His steady play earned him a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Best XI. He’s become a trusted figure in Columbus’ defense, maintaining structure under pressure and distributing the ball calmly from the back.

Club	Years	League	Appearances	Goals
Columbus Crew	2023–Present	Major League Soccer	6+	0

Performance and Statistics

Yevhen Cheberko has built a reputation as a reliable left-footed defender for the Columbus Crew. His disciplined positioning, accurate passing, and calmness under pressure make him a consistent figure in MLS and international competitions.

Seasonal Appearances and Goals

Since joining the Crew in 2023, Cheberko has continued to progress. He made six appearances in his debut MLS season, including three in the postseason, and helped secure the 2023 MLS Cup win over LAFC.

He later earned a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Best XI, which says a lot about his growing influence on the back line.

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	MLS Regular Season	6	0	0
2023	MLS Playoffs	3	0	0
2024	Concacaf Champions Cup	8	0	1

Before coming to Columbus, he played for NK Osijek and Zorya Luhansk, picking up valuable European experience. His time at Dnipro gave him a strong technical base, which fits well with the Crew’s possession style.

You can find his updated career data on ESPN’s MLS stats page.

Defensive Records

Cheberko’s defensive work stands out for its precision. He wins a high percentage of tackles and rarely commits unnecessary fouls.

His ability to read the game lets him intercept passes before they turn into threats.

In 2024, he completed over 85% of his passes in league play, and his error rate stayed among the lowest for Crew defenders.

His left-footed distribution helps the team build from the back, especially under pressure.

Metric	2024 MLS Season	Team Rank
Tackles Won	32	3rd
Interceptions	28	2nd
Passing Accuracy	85.4%	4th
Clearances	41	3rd

You can check out more detailed defensive stats on Transfermarkt’s player profile.

Key Matches and Highlights

Cheberko made his MLS debut against FC Cincinnati on August 20, 2023. He earned his first start against Houston just ten days later.

His composure in those early matches showed why the Crew trusted him in the postseason.

In the 2023 MLS Cup Final, he played a key defensive role as Columbus beat LAFC 2–1. His positioning and clearances under pressure helped preserve the lead.

During the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, Cheberko’s games against tough sides like Pachuca earned him praise. His spot in the tournament’s Best XI confirmed his value to the squad.

You can catch more about his postseason and Champions Cup performances on MLSsoccer.com.

Playing Style and Tactical Strengths

Yevhen Cheberko’s game stands out for its precision and calmness. Every movement, challenge, and pass shows a defender who values timing and structure over showy plays.

He mixes physical balance, tactical awareness, and clear communication, making him a dependable part of the Columbus Crew back line.

Physical Profile

Standing around 1.84 meters (6 feet) and weighing about 66 kilograms (146 pounds), Cheberko combines agility with enough strength to handle tough strikers.

He relies on balance and positioning, not brute force. His left foot gives the Crew a natural outlet on the back line, helping start attacks with clean passes.

Cheberko’s footwork really stands out. He adjusts quickly to changes in direction, always keeping his body square to attackers.

That discipline limits fouls and keeps him in control during one-on-one duels.

Attribute	Measurement	Notes
Height	1.84 m	Strong in aerial duels
Weight	66 kg	Lean, mobile build
Preferred Foot	Left	Helps balance defensive shape
Sprint Speed	Above average	Useful for recovery runs

He rarely overcommits, which helps him stay effective late in matches. You can tell he manages his energy well, using short bursts instead of chasing nonstop.

Tactical Awareness

Cheberko reads the field with a calmness you’d expect from someone who’s spent years in different European leagues, including stints at Zorya Luhansk and NK Osijek. You can tell he’s always scanning, anticipating passing lanes, and moving into position before things get dicey.

He fits right into a back four or a back three. If you watch closely, he’ll drift a bit wider to help cover for fullbacks when they push up.

His awareness keeps the Crew’s defensive shape together, even when they’re under a ton of pressure.

Cheberko’s passing stands out, too. He likes short, controlled balls through the middle, but he’ll mix in a long diagonal now and then.

That mix keeps the Crew’s buildup flowing and a bit unpredictable.

His time in the Austrian Bundesliga with LASK really sharpened his feel for quick, high-tempo play.

You see that experience when he calmly steps in to break up a counter before it turns into real trouble.

Leadership on the Field

You hear Cheberko’s voice a lot during games. He’s always directing, pointing out runners, reminding teammates about their spacing.

That steady communication helps settle the group, especially when the Crew face opponents who press hard.

He doesn’t get flashy or over the top. His leadership just shows up in the way he plays, week in and week out.

Other defenders often mirror his positioning and pace. That kind of quiet authority? It’s underrated, but it builds trust across the back line.

Cheberko’s experience with Ukraine’s youth and senior teams gives him perspective on pressure. Younger defenders tend to look his way for cues.

He went through UFK Dnipro College, so his fundamentals and composure are no accident.

Those early lessons still show up when things get tense.

His leadership feels practical, not emotional. You can sense it during set pieces—he’s marking zones, signaling assignments, and keeping the line tight.

International Experience and Honors

You can see how Cheberko’s steady play for Columbus Crew matches the discipline he brings when he plays for Ukraine. His time with the national team and in continental tournaments just adds another layer to his game.

National Team Appearances

Cheberko earned his first senior cap for Ukraine in 2020 after working his way up through the youth ranks. You can see the growth from those early call-ups to his regular inclusion for international windows, like the June 2024 cycle when the Columbus Crew mentioned his selection.

He usually plays as a left-footed center-back, valued for his positioning and his ability to pass under pressure. That calmness, honed in Austria and Croatia, fits right into Ukraine’s defensive setup.

His international record isn’t huge, but every cap adds to his reliability.

Here’s a quick look at his national team stats as of 2025:

Category	Statistic
Senior Caps	5
Youth Caps (U21 & U19)	18
Goals	0
First Senior Appearance	2020

His international background keeps shaping how he leads and communicates within the Crew’s back line.

Major Tournament Participation

Cheberko hasn’t played in a UEFA European Championship or FIFA World Cup yet. Still, Ukraine keeps picking him for training squads during qualifiers, showing the trust he’s built up.

That exposure really helps, especially in high-pressure spots like the Concacaf Champions Cup, where he played for Columbus Crew in 2024.

He helped the Crew reach the tournament final and landed in the Best XI, according to MLSsoccer.com.

Playing against top clubs from Mexico and Central America gave him a taste of different attacking styles.

You notice the same things in his international and club tournament play: he defends with structure, tackles cleanly, and makes calm decisions. Those qualities make him a go-to guy for both Ukraine and the Crew.

Integration within the Team

Cheberko’s calm decision-making and steady positioning help set the Crew’s defensive rhythm. His chemistry with teammates and his willingness to take coaching direction have made him one of the most reliable veterans on the team.

Key Partnerships

Cheberko’s connection with other defenders really shapes how the Crew stay balanced during games. When he pairs up with Rudy Camacho, you’ll notice how their communication closes down space for opposing strikers.

Both read the game well, so fullbacks have the freedom to push up without leaving the team exposed.

In training, Cheberko’s timing and left-footed passing work nicely with the right-footed players around him. That combination lets the Crew switch play quickly and control the tempo.

Key Defensive Metrics (2023 Season)

Category	Statistic
Tackles Won	32
Interceptions	29
Clearances	75
Passing Accuracy	87%

Those stats back up how his steady play supports the team’s structure.

If you catch a game at Lower.com Field, you’ll see how his leadership gives confidence to younger defenders. His experience from Europe and his background at the Dnipro Academy show every time he organizes the back line.

Coaching Influence

Head coach Wilfried Nancy really values defenders who keep their cool under pressure. Honestly, Cheberko just fits that mold.

The coaching staff trusts him to handle tactical shifts right in the middle of a match. Sometimes he’ll adjust to a back three, other times he’ll hold a high line—he seems comfortable either way.

Nancy likes possession-based soccer, and that lines up with Cheberko’s strengths. He starts attacks from deep spots, which helps the Crew build up play in a calm, controlled way.

You’ll often see assistant coaches working with him on positioning drills or aerial duels. That extra focus has improved his timing in one-on-one moments.

Cheberko’s always professional and open to feedback. That attitude’s made him a quiet leader in the locker room.

His smooth integration just reflects the Crew’s bigger culture—accountability, precision, and a certain attention to detail that keeps them competitive in MLS.

If you want to dive deeper into his background or current role, check out his Columbus Crew profile.