Mykhailo Mudryk showcased his potential during Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the Europa Conference League, notching his first goal of the season alongside two key assists. Despite his promising performance, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing that the Ukrainian winger still has more to prove.
Mudryk, who joined Chelsea in a £88.5 million transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023, has struggled to make a lasting impact at Stamford Bridge. Competing against high-profile names like Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Joao Felix, Mudryk has found game time hard to come by. However, his performance on Thursday night presented a glimpse of his capabilities.
Maresca, while pleased with Mudryk’s contributions, made it clear that the 22-year-old still has work to do. “Very happy for him,” Maresca said in his post-match press conference. “We spend a lot of time helping the players. We’ve been working with the wingers to get them inside the box. He struggled to get there before, but now he’s learning. His development has been slower than others, but he is improving.”
Mudryk played an integral role in Chelsea’s attacking efforts, assisting Joao Felix’s opener with a precise cross and later securing his first goal of the season with a well-timed header from Neto’s delivery. He also set up Felix’s second goal with a square pass that led to a deflected strike, putting Chelsea in full control.
Despite the positive display, Maresca tempered the excitement surrounding Mudryk’s performance, highlighting the ongoing learning curve for the winger. “Not only for him, but for players like Pedro, Jadon, and Noni, it’s about the learning process. It may take time, but we’re seeing improvements.”
While Mudryk’s showing against Panathinaikos bolsters his chances of featuring in Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle, competition for wide positions remains fierce. Maresca’s remarks reflect a balanced approach, recognizing the need for continued development as Mudryk strives to solidify his place in the squad.
The Chelsea boss also praised the versatility of his players, singling out Renato Veiga, who operated as a left center-back in the match. “Renato can play in multiple positions—centre-back, full-back, midfielder—which is something I love about this squad. In modern football, being adaptable is crucial for both the team and the players,” Maresca added.
