Mykhailo Mudryk’s first goal for Chelsea was worth the wait – it was a thing of beauty.
Since joining the club in January 2023, Mykhailo Mudryk has been determined to showcase his ability for Chelsea, and fans are now witnessing signs that the best of the Ukrainian winger is yet to come this season.
In Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Brighton in Philadelphia last night, the 22-year-old winger demonstrated his goal-scoring ability and terrifying pace.
Mudryk has put in hard work on the training ground and in the gym to be ready for the upcoming season with Chelsea, and he appears more physically fit in promotional photo shoots for the club. This transformation follows a slow start at Stamford Bridge after his winter move.
Mudryk struggles for Chelsea
The winger only registered two assists in his 15 appearances in the Premier League last season; a disappointing return for a player that cost the club £88 million.
Fans were incredibly disappointed with his performances last season with many curious about what future, if any, Mudryk had at the west London club. Yet, Mudryk has started pre-season with a bang and the Chelsea faithful will expect this to carry on into the league campaign.
Mudryk’s highlights vs Brighton in pre-season
Mudryk looked frightening during the fixture with Brighton, demonstrated with the high speed he reaches in the clip.
The ability to kick and chase the ball down within three seconds, covering a distance of 25–30 yards is mightily impressive. The ability to produce a decent cross into the box and stop the ball rolling out of touch adds to the frightening ability Mudryk has at his disposal.
Absolutely, opposition managers will need to be cautious about leaving vast space behind their defense when facing Mykhailo Mudryk and Chelsea this upcoming season. With his terrifying pace and goal-scoring ability, Mauricio Pochettino is likely to see this as a prime avenue for chance creation.
Mudryk’s speed and skill on the ball can be a significant threat on the counter-attack, and his ability to exploit open spaces can lead to dangerous opportunities for Chelsea.
Opposition teams will need to plan their defensive strategies carefully and ensure they have sufficient cover to limit Mudryk’s impact on the game. Otherwise, he could become a real weapon for Chelsea in breaking down defensive lines and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Video: Mudryk’s pace vs Brighton
Mykhailo Mudryk is rapid, pass it on 🔥
🇺🇸 #PLSummerSeries
📺 https://t.co/8VoNPCC9ho pic.twitter.com/81nypifpMO— Premier League (@premierleague) July 23, 2023
Indeed, it’s clear that Mudryk’s game has evolved beyond just relying on his pace.
His performance in linking up with Nicolas Jackson before clinically dispatching the ball into the bottom corner demonstrates his inventiveness and improved finishing ability.
The goal, taken on the half-volley from the edge of the box, showcased his deadly nature in front of goal, which was not a prominent feature of his play last season.
During his first season with Chelsea, he struggled to find the back of the net and wasted several glorious opportunities, which had an impact on his confidence.
However, it seems that Mudryk has worked on his finishing and regained his form from his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, as evident in his recent performances.
His ability to contribute with both pace and clinical finishing will make him a more well-rounded and dangerous attacking threat for Chelsea this upcoming season.
Video: Mudryk’s first goal for Chelsea
Mykhailo Mudryk scores his first @ChelseaFC goal in style 😎#PLSummerSeries pic.twitter.com/gDrTWWlVPm
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 23, 2023
NEW: Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal on “ref cam” pic.twitter.com/bjQAkwxyNa
— LONDONSFIRST™ (@LondonsFirst_) July 23, 2023
However, Mudryk was not the only player to struggle for Chelsea last season as the west London club finished 12th in the league.
The lack of stability, poor management, and the bloated squad caused numerous problems for the club.
Chelsea and their board have looked to this season as a fresh start with the appointment of Pochettino and an overhaul of last season’s squad.
Video: Mudryk’s full highlights vs Brighton
Mudryk impressive performance against Brighton pic.twitter.com/q2ldN18KXd
— N (@Nino12x) July 23, 2023
The club will hope that a challenge for Champions League qualification this season is a bare minimum under the Argentine manager. This will be an achievable goal if Pochettino can maintain the good form displayed by Mudryk so far this pre-season and get the rest of the squad to perform at these levels.