Shakhtar put all their faith in Brazilian-born Marlos

– Ukraine’s Brazilian-born sensation Marlos (right) has starred for Shakhtar Donetsk on a Champions League run that could see them reach the quarterfinals for only the second time at Roma tonight.

But the 29-year-old attacking midfielder’s silky dribbling is also turning him into an integral part of Ukraine’s hopes of returning to the forefront of the international scene after the country failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

Marlos is the engine of a flamboyant Shakhtar side that features eight additional Brazilians and two Argentines.

Shakhtar edged out the Italians 2-1 at home in Kharkiv in the first leg of their last-16 encounter last month.

Shakhtar coach Paulo Fonseca has admitted that Marlos is “really important” to his side, describing him as “magical”.

Certainly, having a coach who speaks Portugese helps Marlos and the Brazilians gel into an attacking unit that has flourished in the Champions League.

Shakhtar beat Manchester City at home in the group stage and won away at Dutch champions Feyenoord despite finishing that game with 10 men.

Marlos was named February’s Player-of-the-Month in Ukraine after scoring four goals and laying on three assists in three matches, leaving Shakhtar sitting pretty atop the table.

“To me, team achievements are much more important,” Marlos said.

He played for Brazilian giants Sao Paulo before coming to Ukraine in 2012.

He first voiced an interest in playing for Ukraine’s national team in 2016.

“If it happens, it’ll be my gift to Ukrainians for being so welcoming,” Marlos said at the time.

That wish came true in September when he failed to make Brazil’s star-studded squad and was granted Ukrainian citizenship. – AFP