“When? I don’t know” - Enzo Maresca responds when asked about Chelsea star fulfilling potential at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shared his thoughts on Mykhaylo Mudryk's potential. He said that they are working with the Ukrainian and hopes he sees an improvement in the winger.
The Blues spent a massive €100 million, including add-ons, to sign Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023. He had a promising debut against Liverpool despite not registering a goal contribution. However, he has flattered to deceive since then, scoring just seven goals and providing seven assists in 66 games across competitions.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was recently asked when will Mudryk be able to fulfill his potential. He answered (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“When? I don’t know. The only thing I can say is we try to work with Misha every day and hopefully he gets better day by day with us. It’s more or less like Joao [Felix], he is doing well, the thing is there are also more players doing well.
“The important thing in this moment for him and for the rest, when they get the chance, they take it.”
The west London side have a host of attacking options which has seen Mudryk's playing time reduce this season. He was even left out of the squad in their 2-1 defeat at Liverpool on October 20.
Shakhtar Donetsk official claims Chelsea haven't used Mykhaylo Mudryk properly
Mudryk came through Shakhtar Donetsk's academy and made 44 senior appearances for them, scoring 12 goals and providing 17 assists. However, his numbers and performances have gone down since his move to Chelsea in January 2023.
Shakhtar general manager Serhiy Palkin recently said that the Blues don't know how to use Mudryk's abilities properly. He said:
"You don't need a Ferrari if you don't know how to drive it. 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."
"I am sure that he will show his qualities when he gets the chance. He is an absolute difference-maker, which can also be seen in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category."
Mudryk is primarily a winger, who operates on the left wing. However, he also put in some decent performances as an inside forward under Mauricio Pochettino last season.
This season, he's made eight appearances across competitions, starting five of them, and has provided three assists.