“He loses the ball too much” – 23-year-old Chelsea man gives the ball away more often than any other player in the Premier League this season
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In the realm of statistical concerns, distressing figures have recently surfaced regarding the performance of Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk.
In a marked improvement from the preceding season, Mudryk, the winger for Chelsea, has notched up four goals in 23 appearances. A stark contrast to the previous term where he failed to find the net post his transfer to Stamford Bridge. This upward trajectory, however, appears to conceal an underlying concern.
According to The Athletic, the 23-year-old surrenders possession a staggering 5.5 times per 90 minutes, a rate eclipsing that of any other winger in the Premier League. Adding to the apprehension, his possession loss stands at 39 times per 100 touches this campaign, the highest among attacking midfielders or wingers with over 500 minutes in the English top flight.
The intricacies of being a winger inherently involve occasional ball losses while navigating defenders. Yet, the data suggests that Mudryk is succumbing to this facet with alarming regularity.
Considering the need for holistic development, the suggestion of coaching from an adept manager like Mauricio Pochettino emerges. Mudryk’s game could see improvement under such guidance, but the key to substantial progress lies in securing regular starting positions.
Since his transition from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea, the Ukrainian has experienced a sporadic presence in the team. Despite the considerable investment made by the Blues in bringing him to Stamford Bridge, the notion of a loan move for the 2024/25 season gains consideration.
The crux lies in the outcome of this situation. If Mudryk continues to oscillate in and out of the starting lineup without evident signs of advancement, a loan move may well be on the horizon.
The upcoming phase of the campaign holds significant weight in the Chelsea career of the Ukrainian international. Pochettino is banking on Mudryk making a substantial impact in the impending clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. The unpredictability of the situation adds an extra layer of suspense to Mudryk’s journey with Chelsea.