Ukrainian: Анатолій Олександрович Тимощук, Anatoliy Oleksandrovych Tymoshchuk, born March 30, 1979 in Lutsk, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union), is a footballer from Ukraine. He is a regular member of the Ukraine national football team. He also plays for the Russian club, Zenit Saint Petersburg. He usually plays as a holding midfielder. He is a very technical player, who also provides strength, stamina and tackling to any midfield.

[edit] Career

[edit] Volyn Lutsk and Shakhtar Donetsk

Anatoliy Tymoschuk started his career in his hometown Lutsk. In 1995, he joined the club Volyn Lutsk and played there until 1997, when he was bought by Shakhtar Donetsk. At Shakhtar Donetsk his consistency and leadership attributes has made him a star at the club.

Anatoliy was the captain of Shakhtar Donetsk until early in 2007, when he left the club. Anatoliy has been rumored to have been scouted by Arsenal and Manchester United during the January 2006 transfer window, where Tymoschuk's Champions League displays in 2005 made him a target especially as both English clubs were in need of a reliable holding midfielder, as well as by Glasgow Celtic.

[edit] Zenit Petersburg

On 27 February 2007 Tymoshchuk transferred to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg for a fee rumoured to be about €15 million. He soon became captain in the new team.[1]

[edit] Match against poverty

Tymoshchuk appeared in the third annual Match Against Poverty, which took place on the 22 December 2005 at the LTU Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany. He played for Zidane's team, which went on to win 4:2 over Ronaldo's team.[citation needed]