Gareth Southgate releases Mykhailo Mudryk news amid Chelsea star’s England injury worry
Gareth Southgate, head coach of the England men’s national team, provided a four-word assessment of Mykhailo Mudryk following Saturday’s match against Ukraine.
The Chelsea star played on the left flank for his national team in a crucial qualifier for the 2024 European Championship.
Ukraine sat in second place in the division, aware that a victory over England in Poland would bring them closer to unseating them and securing qualification.
Mudryk started the game despite his recent lack of playing time for the Blues, where Ben Chilwell has frequently featured instead despite being a more natural defender.
It raised numerous questions about his involvement in the team and the degree to which new head coach Mauricio Pochettino trusts him.
The Argentinian coach told reporters earlier this season that Mykhailo Mudryk is a young player who must be trusted. “We must trust him to create this relationship with us and with the team,” the coach added.
“He has enormous quality and talent, I think it’s only [a matter of] time for him to settle better in the team and for sure he will find the way to perform in the way that we expect.”
It remains to be seen how he will perform in the future, but the minutes he played for Ukraine against England in a 1-1 draw may have helped improve his match sharpness, although his confidence remains in question.
The teenager had a difficult match against Kyle Walker, who had the speed to handle his most valuable asset.
Mudryk failed to make a significant impression on the game and at times cut an isolated figure before being forced to leave the field in the second half due to an injury concern.
Southgate has rendered a verdict regarding Walker’s function in the game despite his lackluster start to life in England.
“His [Walker’s] coverage of a very good winger [Mudryk] exhibited very crucial defensive qualities,” he told reporters.
Despite the difficulties he has encountered thus far, it is evident from the opinions of many managers that Mudryk’s potential is extremely high.
Chelsea still has some work to do, but it is evident that there is a player to be developed who has the potential to reach the very best.
Gareth Southgate releases Mykhailo Mudryk news amid Chelsea star’s England injury worry