Denis Krioutchenkov is a 21-year-old Israeli-American striker for One Knoxville SC in USL League One. He won March Player of the Month on the back of a 2-goal, 1-assist pro debut that I had the pleasure of watching live. To date, he has provided 1 more goal in 7 games, and followed it up with a brace in his second US Open Cup appearance, helping his club to an upset over MLS club DC United. He spent three seasons at Davidson in NCAA Division I before transferring to UNC Charlotte for his senior season, scoring 7 times in 14 starts.

Krioutchenkov stands at around 6’2” with broad shoulders and a more than strong enough frame for his current level. He uses his body well to both protect the ball and back down markers, though he needs to work on his agility to turn more easily. He has the requisite physicality to compete in duels and to hold up play, drawing fouls. Krioutchenkov does get muscled off the ball at times or will go down too easily looking for a foul, so there is still room for development. His strength through contact when in the opposition box is more consistent. Considering his frame, his aerial output is a bit disappointing. His movement is average in terms of pace and acceleration, relying on timing and finding space on his runs. 

In possession, Krioutchenkov is a right-footed poacher who is a clinical finisher with strong box instincts and movement. He finds gaps in the back line with ease, timing his runs into either post or up the half spaces if on the counter/direct buildup. His timing and instincts really shine as he is hardly caught offside. His willingness to be physical in the box and ability to find separation both make him a dangerous target in the box. From there, his ball striking is composed, regardless of pressure, especially on first-time finishes. He strikes with the precision guided by his technique to place it past the keeper into the posts with ease, having some variety in his ways to finish. Additionally, Krioutchenkov minimizes his touches needed to finish, making him a decisive threat. His aerial finish could use more power and precision. He reacts quickly to loose balls, generating chances from poor service and rebounds. From there, he can also assist by bringing it down at the back post, controlling it at his feet, and playing it back across goal. The early, proactive runner is also a capable link-up play. He can provide one-touch layoffs with either foot, combine play with his back to goal, and draw fouls on reception. His link-up play is limited by occasionally slow ball releases, possession loss with his back to goal, and his turning ability. While his dribbling is purposeful and direct, he does not have the control on carries to cleanly separate. Krioutchenkov still needs to become more consistent in the final third outside of clear chances, still showing some hesitation. On set pieces, he consistently attacks the back post with his runs. He is also a reliable penalty taker. 

Out of possession, Krioutchenkov is a willing presser, applying pressure from the front line and forcing rushed decisions by the centre-backs and keeper. He takes advantage of his frame to disrupt the buildup and tracks back when needed. He could afford to sustain his presses for longer and become more aggressive. He occasionally arrives late into duels, which mistimes his challenges and leads to fouling. He puts in effort defensively, but his impact is overall limited. 

Krioutchenkov finds quality chances and is presently on a hot run of form to begin his professional career. He is converting at a high rate for arguably the strongest club in League One, so there is reason to believe he could translate it to the USL Championship in the immediate future. With his composed, precise finishing and astute box instincts, the former Charlotte 49er has the base to make it in the MLS one day. He will need to become more consistent in link-up and improve both his turning and aerial ability to get there.