Mauricio Pochettino did not seem to be pleased with Mykhailo Mudryk’s performance in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Bournemouth last weekend.
The Argentine took Mykhailo Mudryk off around the hour mark and gave a very honest assessment of the Ukrainian winger after the game.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mauricio Pochettino said: “He is improving. He still needs to learn; the Premier League is very fast, the speed of the game is so fast. I think it’s about understanding the game better, try to be more connected sometimes with the team.”
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Even so, on the day, Mudryk was probably Chelsea’s most dangerous player after Raheem Sterling.
He set up a really good chance in the first half for Conor Gallagher, used his pace on the left flank and linked up well with Nicolas Jackson, just as they did during pre-season.
According to WhoScored, the 22-year-old made two key passes at the Vitality Stadium — only Sterling (three) recorded more.
The two dribbles that he completed were also only bettered by the England international, who again managed three.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images for Premier League
When you consider all of the above, Pochettino has to start Mudryk against Aston Villa on Sunday. He has shown that he can be a dangerous wide man and is simply more of a threat than Ben Chilwell, who is a left-back trying to do the job of a left winger.
Chelsea need a win and are at home, so sticking with an actual attacker for the forward position on the left flank is the logical thing to do. But based on Pochettino’s recent assessment of the Ukraine international, you can easily see him dropping back down to the bench.
It would be unfair, as his display against Bournemouth, albeit not perfect, does not warrant him losing his spot, especially to a makeshift winger like Chilwell.
