The “lost cause” and his frustrating rival – Chelsea fans would happily see them sold | OneFootball

Simon Johnson of the Athletic is out in the USA with Chelsea, and his view on yesterday’s 4-1 defeat to Celtic was summarised in his piece picking out a few interesting features of the game.

One of the threads he picked out was the battle between Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk to be first choice left winger under new manager Enzo Maresca. According to Johnson, there can only be one winner in that race at the moment:

“Mudryk did not see much of the ball against Celtic and offered little threat,” Johnson wrote.

“That was in stark contrast to Raheem Sterling’s contribution when he replaced Mudryk at the interval. The England international hit the post with one fine effort and set up Madueke, only for him to scuff a shot well wide.”

Sterling also won the penalty for Chelsea’s late consolation goal.

“It will not be a surprise, though, if Sterling is considered ahead of Mudryk in the pecking order for the time being.”

Mykhailo Mudryk runs down another blind alley against Celtic.

Two disappointment battle for undeserved starting spot

Neither Mudryk nor Sterling is particularly popular with Chelsea fans. In fact, we’d estimate that at least 90% of fans would see both of them sold if we could recoup the same fees we paid. They’re each frustrating in different ways, and both have had Blues fans totally fed up with aspects of their game since their respective arrivals.

As Johnson says, there’s no doubt Sterling should be the first choice on the evidence of last night’s game. He is immensely frustrating, but at least has moments and games where he is effective. Mudryk’s flashes are even rarer, and even more brief. Frank Leboeuf called the Ukrainian a “lost cause,” and after 18 months at the club that assessment looks more and more accurate.