De Zerbi heaps praise on Mudryk ahead of Chelsea clash

Cameron Smith

• 14 May 2024 19:30 BST
• 3 min read

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk and believes Mauricio Pochettino has played a key role in the Ukrainian’s development this season.

Mudryk, 23, played under De Zerbi at Shakhtar Donetsk and the Blues star has previously been labelled as a future Ballon d’Or winner by the Brighton boss.

But, he has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge for an initial €70 million in January 2023 and is yet to justify his enormous price tag.

READ MORE: How many goals has Mykhailo Mudryk scored for Chelsea?

Despite Chelsea’s recent upturn in form, Mudryk only has one goal in his last 11 matches in all competitions (the opener against Nottingham Forest on Saturday), and Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku’s return to fitness could potentially see him dropped from the starting XI to face Brighton.

Although his performances have been patchy this campaign, former Shakhtar boss De Zerbi remains buoyant about Mudryk’s potential.

READ MORE: Chelsea face transfer threat as Atletico Madrid enter race for BARGAIN attacker

What has Roberto De Zerbi?

Speaking to the media ahead of the Seagulls’ Premier League clash against Chelsea on Wednesday evening, De Zerbi was quick to praise Mudryk when questioned about his former pupil.

“I think he’s improving,” the Italian admitted. “I think it was tough for him, changing country, changing the level of difficulty of the league. The competition inside of Chelsea’s squad is higher than Shakhtar.

“But he’s a smart guy, he loves football and I think the management of the club, of Pochettino, has been right because now he’s playing very well and he’s a big, big talent.”

De Zerbi was then asked whether he would speak to Mudryk after the game. He replied: “Yes, for me, especially the young players, but not only the young players, I’m able to create a good relationship.

“Carlos Baleba, Julio Enciso, Facundo Buonanotte, the relationship is different because they need something more than older players. And for my former players nothing changes.

“During the game I would like to beat everyone but we can’t forget what we spent together in Ukraine, for sure. I am the first big fan of Mykhailo.”