Enzo Maresca is yet to unlock the full potential of Mykhailo Mudryk, and concerns are growing regarding Chelsea’s management of the talented winger.
Sergiy Palkin, the chief general director of Shakhtar Donetsk, where Mudryk began his professional career, has expressed his views on the situation, likening the player to a Ferrari that is being poorly driven.
Mudryk made a high-profile move to Chelsea in January 2023 for a staggering £89 million, but his impact has been underwhelming. In 66 appearances for the club, the 23-year-old Ukrainian international has managed only seven goals and seven assists, leaving many fans disappointed with his performance.
Palkin believes that Mudryk’s struggles are not due to a lack of talent but rather the way he is being utilized at Chelsea. “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it,” Palkin stated in an interview with GOAL. “A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it. That’s my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea.”
He expressed confidence that Mudryk will eventually showcase his abilities, asserting, “He is an absolute difference maker. That can be seen in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category.”
Mudryk himself has urged Chelsea fans to temper their expectations for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign. Despite the struggles, supporters remain hopeful that he will eventually fulfill his promise, especially since he is contracted with the club until 2031.
Adding to the praise, Georgiy Sudakov, Mudryk’s teammate in the Ukrainian national team, remarked on his potential, saying, “Mykhailo is an incredible player; he has no upper limit and he can win the Ballon d’Or with his qualities.”
Sudakov emphasized that Mudryk’s success depends largely on his ability to harness his talent, stating, “I believe he will be able to show his best qualities. Ukraine is an incredibly talented country, and he is a great example for us to follow.”
As Chelsea navigates a challenging season, the hope remains that they will find the right way to utilize Mudryk’s exceptional skills, allowing him to become the impactful player many believe he can be.