Ruslan Rotan, the interim manager of Ukraine national team, has predicted Mykhaylo Mudryk to play a ‘key role’ for Chelsea next season following his sluggish start in the Premier League. Since completing his £88 million to Stamford Bridge in January, Mykhaylo Mudryk has yet to score a goal for Chelsea having notched just one assist in seven games in all competitions.
Being the joint-third most expensive Premier League acquisition, penning a lengthy eight-and-a-half-year deal with the Blues, Mudryk may not have met the expectations of the fans right away, but the 22-year-old is taking some time to settle in west London. Mudryk is a ‘great talent’ according to Ukraine interim boss Rotan, who believes it will only be a matter of time before he succeeds at Chelsea.
Ukraine boss back Mykhaylo Mudryk to justify £88m price tage next season
In January, Chelsea’s Premier League rivals Arsenal were in advanced negotiations to sign Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk. The winger had even agreed personal terms with Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing team and had often teased a move to north London through his social media accounts. However, Arsenal’s reluctancy to give int Shakhtar’s heft evaluation of their asset saw the Blues snatch a deal and signed the Ukrainian for an initial £62million which could rise to £88million with add-ons.
However, so far, Mudryk hasn’t given much in exchange for that hefty transfer fee paid for him by Chelsea. With only one assist in seven appearances, the Ukrainian is yet to score for Chelsea, and there are already concerns over whether the Premier League giants overspent by signing him on an ‘eight-and-a-half-year’ contract after beating rivals Arsenal to the deal. But Rotan has backed his player to come full-circle with the Blues next season. Rotan said:
“Mykhaylo is a great talent and fulfilling his potential is right ahead of him. In a couple of months’ time he will play a key role in the Premier League. He’s one of the diamonds in our team and we cherish him.”
“He’s very motivated to play at Wembley. He’s one of the key players. It’s very positive and we look forward to his future with great optimism. This game will be first and foremost for our warriors, our defenders, who are protecting Ukraine and fighting the deadly enemy.
“What’s happening in Ukraine is terrible. A positive result at Wembley will give hope, put smiles on people’s faces and bring much-needed positive emotions for the people of Ukraine.”
England, who advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals in Qatar under Gareth Southgate, will play Italy in their opening Euro 2024 qualifying match on Thursday night before hosting Ukraine at Wembley. Meanwhile at Chelsea, the likes of Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling, Hakim Ziyech, and Noni Madueke are also vying for wide offensive positions, where Mykhaylo Mudryk faces intense competition. The Blues will return to Premier League action on April 1 when they host Aston Villa.