Are you 24 or older?

Help us verify your age by providing an honest response. This site contains gambling advertising for 24+.

Age-restricted content

You’re not old enough to view betting content. You’ll be redirected to the homepage.

alt
LiveTickets
This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
Mudryk Cooking Chelsea GFXGOAL
Krishan Davis

Mykhailo Mudryk is finally starting to cook for Chelsea - and the Blues have Mauricio Pochettino to thank

Analysis
M. Mudryk
Chelsea
Premier League
Originals
Burnley vs Chelsea

Slowly but surely, the Blues are finally seeing a return on their £89 million investment - but the flying winger still has a long way to go

Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
ExpressVPN

Pro

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 14 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is included with the Express Pro plan.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Basic

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 73%
Protect 14 devices with the top ExpressVPN plan
ExpressVPN

Pro

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's top-tier Express Pro plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 14 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is included with the Express Pro plan.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers an unlimited private email relay plus an unlimited number of shared aliases and 20 custom domains, ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator, and ExpressAI, an AI assistant that offers 500 credits a day, six AI models, a web search facility plus 2GB storage.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save around 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 67%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for five days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 67%
Protect 10 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Basic

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's entry-level Basic plan gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 10 different devices simultaneously, and offers Lite Protection that blocks ads and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Basic plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 10MB/month private email relay plus 10 shared aliases.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 80%.

Over 28 monthsSave 80%
Advanced protection across 11 devices with high-speed VPN
ExpressVPN

Advanced

Those that sign up for ExpressVPN's most popular plan, the Advance plan, gain access to a high-speed VPN, which offers high-capacity 40Gbps servers in many high-demand locations, with VPN servers in 113 countries worldwide.

The VPN can be applied across 12 different devices simultaneously, and offers Advanced Protection that blocks ads, trackers and malicious and adult websites. A dedicated IP is available to be purchased as an add-on.

Additionally, ExpressVPN's Advanced plan includes the ExpressMailGuard, which offers a 100MB/month private email relay plus 50 shared aliases and a custom domain, and ExpressKeys, which gives users a password management facility for an unlimited number of passwords plus a 2FA authenticator.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. The plan is available on a one-month rolling contract, although those that sign up for a 12-month plan (offering one year plus an extra three months) can save more than 60%, while those that sign up for a two-year plan (offering two years plus an extra four months) can save 73%. Both longer-term plans include a 3GB holiday.com eSIM that is valid for three days in 150+ destinations.

Over 28 monthsSave 73%

As an emotional Mykhailo Mudryk clasped his hands to his face in disbelief at Craven Cottage, the sense of relief in the dugout, the away end and for those watching on at home was palpable. Eight-and-a-half months on from his stunning £89 million ($107m) move to Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk, the winger had finally found the back of the net in competitive action.

Controlling Levi Colwill's pass expertly, Mudryk sprinted through and fired a shot between the legs of Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The ensuing scenes of jubilation were testament to his hard work and popularity among the Blues' squad.

This was not a flash in the pan, though - the kind of false dawn Chelsea supporters have become accustomed to with misfiring, expensive attacking signings - but rather the culmination of months of graft, and - hopefully - the beginning of a new chapter.

Mudryk is finally beginning to show his potential in a Chelsea shirt, and under Mauricio Pochettino's tutelage he stands a real chance of shaking off that nagging tag of 'expensive flop'.

  • Mykhailo Mudryk Chelsea 2022-23Getty Images

    Fitness undoubtedly an issue

    With an £89m price tag and a burgeoning reputation, Mudryk was unfairly expected to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, and in truth he's been fighting a losing battle ever since.

    He played his final game for Shakhtar Donetsk almost two months before signing for Chelsea in mid-January, which means he almost certainly wasn't match fit as Graham Potter eased him into the team in the subsequent weeks.

    If the winger was already playing catch-up, that was compounded by the fact that overall fitness levels suffered badly during the second half of last season, with both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard failing to juggle a bloated 30-man squad.

  • Working overtime

    It's no surprise, then, that a full pre-season under notoriously tough trainer Pochettino has done him the world of good. While his minutes have still been managed somewhat, he looks stronger and fitter. But that isn't just down to his head coach.

    By all accounts, Mudryk is putting in an absolute shift off the pitch, and his hard work has been rewarded. It has even been reported that the Ukrainian's team-mates have been taken aback by his relentless work ethic, as he spends endless hours in the gym with a personal trainer working on his strength and speed.

    Indeed, Chelsea have even decided to put some boundaries in place - reducing his extra strength training in a bid to aid his conditioning.

  • Handled with care by Pochettino

    It's easy to forget that this is a player whose career is still in its infancy, despite his exorbitant transfer fee; Mudryk had made just 65 first-team appearances before completing a life-altering transfer to Chelsea - many of which were as a substitute.

    He was thrown in at the deep end without a real period of adaptation by Potter, who was desperately seeking a solution to his side's troubles back in January, making his debut just shy of two months after his last competitive game. When it became evident that he wouldn't hit the ground running, he swiftly became a bit-part player.

    Pochettino - a manager with a reputation for developing and improving young players - has adopted a wholly different approach. The wide man has been eased into the team, with his minutes gradually increasing and performances gradually improving.

    The Argentine has worked one-on-one with 'Misha', even playing crossbar challenge with him in a bid to build his confidence, and is insistent on taking things "very slowly". Having opened his account for the club, Mudryk revealed on his Instagram story that his manager had gifted him a copy of Guillem Balague's book 'Brave New World', about Pochettino's Tottenham team that includes contributions from the manager. They are both beginning to reap the rewards of their blossoming relationship.

    Mudryk Pochettino Instagrammmudryk10 Instagram

    "We need to understand that young people need time and need to settle," Pochettino said after Mudryk capped his recent upswing by slotting home his first competitive goal for the Blues. It’s about adaptation. It’s a big change when Mudryk arrived here and when you arrive at a team, it’s not easy to settle in a team that isn’t solid. He wasn’t the cherry on the cake, they needed to add something to the team.

    "It’s about time, having patience, trusting these young talented players, building confidence. It’s a big job, step by step. Sometimes people don’t have the patience but for us it’s about having the patience."

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

    Follow GOAL on Google
  • Mudryk-Chelsea-2023-24Getty

    Creator-in-chief

    Before his well-taken goal at Craven Cottage, Mudryk had looked more likely to assist a goal than score one himself. He's often been Chelsea's most creative player in a period where they have been bereft of ideas.

    The most encouraging aspect of his game in the opening weeks of the season has been his vision and ability to pick out a team-mate in a threatening position, with the early signs of a developing understanding with striker Nicolas Jackson.

    The 22-year-old has played five key passes in the league, and has an average xA (expected assists) of 0.8. All of which means he is already well on his way to matching his contributions from last season.

    A whipped through ball to play Jackson in against Aston Villa was particularly eye-catching, but the Senegal international was unable to snaffle up the chance. His combination with the centre-forward could and perhaps should have yielded an assist against Bournemouth, too.

  • Mykhailo Mudryk Chelsea 2023-24Getty

    Time for the goal contributions to flow

    Mudryk has been described as a shy but polite young man off the pitch, and it's becoming increasingly clear that he is a confidence player on it.

    There was an inevitability about the attacker's goal against Fulham - that he was building towards some sort of crescendo; he had been working hard, his performances were getting tangibly better and he was being given the space and game time to rebuild his confidence. It was just a shame that his night was curtailed by a minor knock at half-time.

    But this fresh start must now act as a springboard. While Mudryk's swagger is back in some of his actions, he can still look lost for ideas and his pass completion so far this season is alarmingly low at 59 percent. His approach is high risk, high reward, but Chelsea will want to reap more of the latter.

    However, as Pochettino says, this is a process that will require "patience, trust and building confidence". Mudryk is finally cooking, and this is just the beginning.

Next matches
CHE

CHE

Premier League

31 Oct 2026

MUN

MUN