Ivan Varfolomeev made his senior international debut for Ukraine on Monday night, becoming the latest Imp to represent his country at senior level.
Ivan came off the bench during Ukraine’s 2-1 Nations League defeat against Hungary, adding another milestone to an impressive year with City. His first appearance follows the senior call-up he received last month, having previously represented his country at youth level, including for the Under-21s.
Ukraine had the better of a goalless first half, but fell behind after the interval when Milan Toth opened the scoring. Roman Yaremchuk appeared to have rescued a point with an equaliser from a corner in the 83rd minute, only for Gabor Jurek to restore Hungary’s advantage in the next attack.
The result left Ukraine third in Group 2, three points behind Hungary and four behind Northern Ireland. It was a second consecutive defeat for Andrea Maldera’s side, although the evening brought a significant personal achievement for our midfielder.
Why Ukraine Called Ivan Up
The 22-year-old’s selection was announced on September 16, with Maldera subsequently explaining what had attracted him to the City man. His comments make interesting reading for us, particularly the importance he placed on Ivan playing regularly in the Championship.
Speaking before the international fixtures, Maldera explained why he had selected Ivan, highlighting both his match experience and the demands of English football.
“We were monitoring many players. Varfolomiiev was one of the possible players who play in central midfield.
“He plays in a league where there is a lot of battling and self-sacrifice. He plays in the Championship regularly and has a lot of match practice.”
Maldera also outlined how Ivan could complement the midfielders already available to him. The physical side of his game was a specific quality the Ukrainian boss wanted to bring into the squad.
“We also have midfielders who are capable of making more passes. I also needed to have a midfielder in the squad who is physically well developed and can also play for other purposes.”
That recognition follows a strong first season at Sincil Bank after Ivan joined us from Slovan Liberec in August 2025. He established himself in our midfield during the League One title-winning campaign and collected the Young Player of the Season award.
His progress has continued following promotion, with the senior call-up arriving alongside a new City contract running until 2030. Maldera’s explanation gives a clear indication of how Ivan’s work in our midfield is being viewed internationally.
Support From Ukraine’s Senior Players
Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko, once at West Ham, also spoke about helping the newcomers settle into the senior squad. His comments offered an insight into the support available to players making the step up, including Ivan.
“Regarding the newcomers and young players, you were right to mention the nerves. Of course, I have spoken with them, Mister speaks with them as well, and the rest of the team speaks with them too. It is normal when you are 19 or 20, even 22 or 23.
“You receive your first call-up, and you feel nervous, so these are normal things. The most important thing is to cope with those nerves and gain confidence.”
Yarmolenko explained that the experienced members of the squad have a responsibility to help with that adjustment. Getting comfortable in new surroundings is part of the process of becoming a senior international.
“And to gain that confidence, this is, in principle, what teammates and older teammates are there for, to help and share their experience, so that the nervousness goes away as quickly as possible.”
The encouraging part for us is how directly Maldera links Ivan’s selection to the football he is playing at City. Just over a year after arriving in Lincoln, he has a promotion, an individual award, a new contract and now a senior international cap to his name.
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