Mykhailo Mudryk Benched for Ukraine’s Euro 2024 Qualifier Against Italy
Ukraine’s national team manager, Andriy Shevchenko, has decided to bench Chelsea flop Mykhailo Mudryk for their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy. Mudryk, who was signed by Chelsea for a staggering £97 million, has failed to impress Mauricio Pochettino since the Argentine took over as the manager of Stamford Bridge in the summer.
The decision to drop Mudryk comes after his lackluster performance in Ukraine’s 1-1 draw with England on Saturday. The 22-year-old winger was substituted during the match and failed to make an impact on the game. As a result, Shevchenko has decided to give him a reduced role in the upcoming qualifier against Italy.
Mudryk’s struggles at Chelsea have been well-documented. Despite his hefty price tag, he has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter under Pochettino. This lack of playing time has also affected his performances for the national team, leading to his exclusion from the starting lineup against Italy.
Ukraine currently sits in second place in Group C, three points ahead of Italy. However, Italy has a game in hand, making the upcoming qualifier a crucial match for both teams. A win for Ukraine would solidify their position in the group and increase their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko, who scored the opening goal against England, will retain his place in the starting lineup. The Arsenal ace has been in excellent form and is considered a national hero in Ukraine. His performance against England was met with a massive reception, and he will be looking to replicate that success against Italy.
As for Mudryk, his future at Chelsea remains uncertain. The young winger was signed by the club for a significant fee in January, but he has failed to live up to expectations. The transfer fee included several add-ons, which are yet to be paid, adding insult to injury for Mudryk.
Despite his struggles, Mudryk has received support from Ukraine legend and former Chelsea attacker Andriy Shevchenko. Shevchenko has been regularly visiting London to help Mudryk improve his game and adapt to the demands of English football. However, it seems that the winger’s progress has been slow, leading to his exclusion from the starting lineup against Italy.
In conclusion, Mykhailo Mudryk has been benched for Ukraine’s vital Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy. The Chelsea flop has failed to impress both at club and international level, leading to his reduced role in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko will retain his place in the starting lineup after his impressive performance against England. The match against Italy will be crucial for both teams, as they look to secure their place in Euro 2024. As for Mudryk, his future at Chelsea remains uncertain, with his struggles continuing to hamper his progress.