Mykhailo Mudryk: How did Chelsea’s £89m signing perform on debut vs Liverpool?

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·21 January 2023

Mykhailo Mudryk: How did Chelsea’s £89m signing perform on debut vs Liverpool?

Mykhailo Mudryk impressed on his Chelsea debut after coming on against Liverpool on Saturday afternoon.

The 22-year-old, who could cost Chelsea as much as £89 million after signing an eight-and-a-half-year deal, came on early in the second half and was a constant threat to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

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No goals were scored during the contest at Anfield but Mudryk certainly made a big impression on his maiden appearance.

On Jurgen Klopp’s 1000th game as a manager, Liverpool and Chelsea produced a dour first half of football that was low on quality.

Kai Havertz thought he’d put the visitors 1-0 up in the fourth minute, but the German playmaker’s close-range goal was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.

Other than Alisson denying Benoit Badiashile with a fine point-blank save, clear-cut chances were in short supply at Anfield.

Liverpool’s £40 million signing Cody Gakpo blazed a couple of efforts off target during the opening 45 minutes, as Chelsea’s recent purchase Mudryk watched on from the subs’ bench.

How did Mykhailo Mudryk perform on his Chelsea debut?

Chelsea boss Graham Potter sent on his new signing early in the second half, much to the excitement of the travelling supporters.

The Ukraine international, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk, entered the fray in the 55th minute in place of Lewis Hall.

Although his very first touch was heavy, Mudryk showed his quality moments later, showing lightning quick-feet inside the penalty area before smashing the ball into the side-netting.

Minutes later, Mudryk showed his rapid pace, getting to the ball ahead of James Milner, who was booked for his late challenge.

Mudryk, who Arsenal were also keen to sign this month, then had another opportunity to score his first Chelsea goal after being picked out at the back-post by Hakim Ziyech. But his attempt to control the ball, rather than shoot first time, saw the chance go begging.

Still, Mudryk managed to impress fans and pundits alike with his cameo performance.

The Evening Standard’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella tweeted: “Mudryk has transformed the match for Chelsea.

“Mudryk’s pace and guile has put Liverpool on the back foot. Remember: Chelsea were struggling before he came on.”