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Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk admits he must do more for starting spot

'Talent is not enough': Mudryk comments on push for Chelsea starting role
© Imago
Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk suggests he has brought into the challenge of meeting the demands of head coach Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk has acknowledged that his "talent" will not be enough for him to succeed at Stamford Bridge.

Earlier this week, the Ukraine international delivered one of his most effective performances in a Blues shirt, supplying one goal and two assists in the 4-1 victory over Panathinaikos in the Conference League.

However, having moved to Chelsea for a fee that could eventually reach £89m, those displays have been few and far between.

A total of eight goals and nine assists have come from his 67 appearances in all competitions, a better return than some may have anticipated yet far below what was expected of him upon his transfer from Shakhtar Donetsh.

Head coach Enzo Maresca has often used the phrase along the lines of 'Misha is Misha' when referencing that he is working hard behind the scenes to improve his output and decision-making.

Speaking to the club's official website, the 23-year-old has hinted that he has taken on board what Maresca is trying to instil in him on a weekly basis.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca on October 20 2024© Imago

"Talent ain't enough"

Commenting on the back of his man-of-the-match display in Greece, Mudryk made reference to going over to celebrate his back-post header with his boss.

He told the club's official website: "The coach always says to me to go to the second post and I did that and that's where I scored so we shook hands after.

"It's always great to score for your confidence. As a team I think every win will give us a boost of confidence and I think every game we are getting better as a team."

Although Mudryk was reluctant to give any predictions over what Chelsea could achieve this season, he acknowledged the current mindset of the senior dressing room.

The playmaker added: "Talent ain't enough. If you want to succeed you have to work hard and be patient."

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto celebrate on September 24, 2024© Imago

Can Mudryk expect to start against Newcastle?

Next up for Chelsea is a Premier League fixture at home to Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, Maresca likely to make at least nine changes to his starting lineup.

The two question marks are over whether Enzo Fernandez will replace Romeo Lavia and if Jadon Sancho will drop out for one of several different options.

Having completed 90 minutes versus Panathinaikos, Mudryk may have to settle for a spot on the substitutes' bench, with Pedro Neto more likely to get the nod over Sancho after his 61-minute outing in the same game.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca on October 20 2024
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