Mykhailo Mudryk’s debut season at Chelsea has been a mixed bag. The Ukrainian winger, signed for a hefty £88.5 million from Shakhtar Donetsk, has yet to consistently deliver on the promise that fueled the transfer battle with Arsenal. With just seven goals in 41 appearances, a section of Chelsea supporters are expressing doubts about his future at Stamford Bridge.
However, former Premier League defender Gael Clichy believes it’s premature to judge him harshly. According to Metro Football, in an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes Fanzone, Clichy urged fans to consider the bigger picture.
Beyond On-Field Performance
Clichy acknowledges the pressure surrounding Mudryk’s arrival:
“Everyone was thinking he was going to come in and change the team completely.” He highlights the additional challenges the young player faces: “We have to think about other things, off the pitch, such as what’s happening with him at home.”
The ongoing war in Ukraine undoubtedly weighs heavily on him. Clichy emphasizes the importance of empathy: “We forget about this kind of thing and just focus on what the guy is doing on the pitch.” He draws a parallel to Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, another Ukrainian player facing criticism despite his contributions. Clichy suggests that external pressures might be impacting both players’ performances.
Clichy criticizes the relentless nature of professional football: “Football is a machine which does this sometimes; we forget that outside of this game, there is life.” He argues for a more balanced perspective, acknowledging the human element: “We all have quick opinions, and it’s very easy to judge when we haven’t got all of the cards in front of us.”
Backing Mudryk’s Potential
Despite Mudryk’s current struggles, Clichy remains confident in his ability. He sees the raw talent that excited many in the first place: “Mudryk absolutely got all of the attributes which you want in a winger.” Clichy believes Mudryk can overcome his current challenges: “Why is he not performing now? His club is not performing, maybe he’s not feeling himself, and maybe that will change next season.”
Clichy offers a message of hope for both Mudryk and the fans: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he comes out next season and becomes the best winger in the Premier League.” He acknowledges that factors like Chelsea’s overall performance and Mudryk’s personal situation will play a role in his future success. However, Clichy suggests that with time, patience, and a more understanding environment, he can still realize his full potential at Chelsea.