Boxing heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has defended the price tag Chelsea paid for winger Mykhailo Mudryk this January, claiming he will win a Ballon d'Or in the future. The Ukraine international caught the eye over the past few months as his transfer saga developed.
It appeared as though Arsenal were destined to land the youngster from Shakhtar Donetsk after plenty of hints over joining the north London side. However, it was the Blues that pipped them to the target, securing a deal that could be worth as much as £88.5million if add-ons are achieved.
Since that high profile transfer saga played out, Mudryk has struggled to hit the ground running as he builds up fitness and gets used to his new surroundings. The clash with Leicester last weekend showed glimpses of his ability, with manager Graham Potter backing him to continue impressing.
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"He'll get better and better," the head coach said after the match against the Foxes. "He's a young player that hasn't that much experience, so each game he'll get better and better. His attitude is fantastic, he wants to help the team and work with the team. I'm delighted he got an assist and helped us."
Since then, boxing champion and compatriot Usyk has had his say on the move, telling Parimatch: "No, it [Mudryk's transfer fee] doesn’t [surprise me]. Everything has risen. Prices, and money, are a little higher than they were. I think he’s worth a little more than €100million [£88.5million] because I’ve been watching this guy.
"I saw him for the first time playing for the under-18s or under-19s team. The hairstyle that catches your eye, the tattoos, I mean, he was playing, and I was watching him, and I liked him. It seems to me that this guy can bring the fourth Ballon d’Or to Ukraine.”
It remains to be seen if Mudryk can hit the heights in his time at Stamford Bridge, but it's quite clear that those who know him, rate him highly and tip him for big things.
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