‘Mudryk the best in Europe after Mbappe & Vinicius Jr’

FT Desk

• Updated: 14 Sept 2022 16:35 BST
• 3 min read

Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director Darijo Srna has hailed Mykhaylo Mudryk, labelling the winger as the third best player in Europe in his position.

Mudryk has burst onto the scene this season with a Shakhtar team that has been completely revolutionised due to the war with Russia.

The 21-year-old was the subject of heavy interest from the Premier League in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal linked with a deadline day move.

Srna has admitted that Shakhtar rejected an offer from Everton for a player he believes is only inferior to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr in his position in Europe.

What did Srna say?

"We received an offer of €30m [from Everton],” Srna told CBS Sports.

“And when our president doesn't sell a player for €30m, especially in such difficult times, he is sending a message to everyone that he wants to progress in the Champions League and to win the championship.

"Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he's the best player in Europe in his position. If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money and respect our club and our president.”

Mudryk was electric in Champions League matchday one, scoring and lighting up the 4-1 win over Leipzig.

More is expected on Wednesday when Shakhtar take on Celtic in Warsaw.

"Mudryk's heart will always be with Ukraine,” Srna added.

“He is with all Ukrainian citizens. You could see this in his face after scoring his goal against Leipzig. Just look at him, and all the emotion he carries, and you will understand everything.

"And it's the same for all of us. We are playing every game for Ukraine. I can promise that we will always give 100 percent for Ukraine, for Ukrainian citizens, for the Ukrainian President and for the Ukrainian army. The fact we can help bring pride, hope and comfort in this difficult time, I think shows the incredible power of football."