Mykhailo Mudryk Chelsea prediction made by Ukraine caretaker boss after goalless start for £89m winger

• Winger joined Blues in January window
• Yet to open his account for the club
• Still has potential to be unlocked

WHAT HAPPENED? The 22-year-old winger, who moved to Stamford Bridge from Shakhtar Donetsk during the January transfer window, has offered little return on that show of faith so far. Mudryk is still waiting on his first goal for Chelsea, with only one assist recorded through seven appearances, with questions already being asked of whether Premier League heavyweights overspent on him when beating rivals Arsenal to a deal that saw an eight-and-a-half-year contract put in place.

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WHAT THEY SAID: Rotan believes a key part of his international set-up will win over any doubters in England, with Mudryk merely requiring time in which to fully adjust to life in new surroundings. Ukraine’s boss has said: “Mykhailo is a great talent and fulfilling his potential is right ahead of him. In a couple of months’ time he will play a key role in the Premier League. He’s one of the diamonds in our team and we cherish him.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mudryk is currently with the Ukraine squad that is preparing to open its Euro 2024 qualification campaign against England on Sunday, with Rotan adding on the role the jet-heeled winger could play in that contest: “He’s very motivated to play at Wembley. He’s one of the key players. It’s very positive and we look forward to his future with great optimism.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Mudryk faces fierce competition for places at Chelsea – with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling, Hakim Ziyech and Noni Madueke also battling for wide attacking berths – and the Blues will be back in Premier League action on April 1 when playing host to Aston Villa.