Mykhaylo Mudryk made his Chelsea debut on a stage befitting of his newly-found status as a global superstar.
As soon as the Blues pulled the trigger on an £87million deal, Mudryk went from relative unknown to neutrals, to a player expected to immediately deliver. And so it made sense that his bow came during a clash with Liverpool at Anfield, with the eyes of the world on him.
Graham Potter turned to Mudryk with the game in a stalemate and Chelsea needing some attacking impetus off the substitutes’ bench. And though he failed to find the scoresheet in the 0-0 draw, it was an enterprising debut which provided plenty of positives.
Mirror Football kept a close eye on the Premier League ’s newest star, to see what he could offer Chelsea in the years to come.
Position
Mudryk instantly occupied a berth on the left-hand side of the three players behind central striker Kai Havertz. He was constantly looking for the ball and getting in positions where he could receive it and drive at defenders.
With plenty of space behind him, he was also required to make a fair share of tackles and showed he wouldn’t shirk that responsibility and that the physical nature of the english top-flight wouldn’t be too much for him.
A missed chance
Mudryk had only been on the field for two minutes before he should have had an opportunity to open his account. The Ukrainian took up a clever space on the opposite flank to Hakim Ziyech as he cut inside. Mudryk was completely free as he finished his slaloming run, but rather than slide in his new team-mate, he shot wildly over.
Mudryk remained pretty calm considering the fact he was so clearly overlooked. In a few more weeks, you’d expect that reaction to be a little more vociferous.
Signs of nerves…and class
A few moments after that chance came to nothing, Mudryk was this time freed on the left wing with a chance to run at the veteran James Milner. However, with Milner fearing the worst, the winger overhit his first touch and saw the ball run harmlessly out of play.
But it didn’t take long - less than 10 minutes in fact - to show exactly why Chelsea made him one of the most expensive Premier League players in history. With Liverpool players surrounding him, Mudryk jinked his way past three bamboozled defenders to somehow buy himself a yard in the area. His shot went into the side netting, but it was a tantalising glimpse into his talents.
Settled into it
That piece of skill, although it didn’t result in a goal, appeared to instantly calm the Chelsea new-boy. Mudryk quickly became the main focus of the visitors’ attacks, with team-mates constantly trying to get the ball to him.
There was one backheel which took out a couple of onlooking Liverpool players that was another crystal clear example of his outrageous talent.
A thought for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta could be excused if he kept one eye on the lunchtime kick-off, despite both Chelsea and Liverpool finding themselves way out of title contention. The Arsenal boss had earmarked Mudryk as the winger he needed to take the league leaders to the next level.
Ultimately, Arsenal baulked at the staggering fee their local rivals paid and allowed Chelsea to swoop in and complete a deal. Nevertheless, it will always be a case of 'what if' for the Gunners and fans will eagerly track his progress for the next few seasons.
On early evidence, Mudryk would have been a perfect addition for Arsenal. Clearly, extremely technical proficient, he wouldn't have struggled to adapt to Arteta's demands in North London. He also looks as if he will be able to play in a number of positions - something Arteta values extremely highly.
Ultimately, Arsenal have already moved on from their disappointment of missing out on his signing, landing Leandro Trossard. But there still will be a hope that he doesn't make their decision to not put up the fee a costly one.
