27 March 2023 , 00:22
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Mykhaylo Mudryk's miserable start to life in England hit a new low as he underwhelmed while on international duty with Ukraine against the Three Lions at Wembley.
The hosts cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka, with Ukraine failing to really lay a glove on Gareth Southgate's men. If the first goal was a tad fortunate in reference to the way the ball found the back of the net, there was little that could be done to prevent Saka's curling stunner from outside the area.
In the build up to Kane's opener, Saka brushed aside Chelsea ace Mudryk who failed to do enough to shut down the Arsenal man's cross. It was that passage of play that sparked criticism from Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who was on punditry duty for Channel 4 covering the game.
"From a Ukraine point of view, it’s fantastic play from England as they open the pitch up, but you would be really disappointed if you’re the coach with Mudryk," the ex-England international explained.
"With all due respect he is still learning the game but you know that you need to keep Saka on his right foot, you can’t allow him to come in on that left foot because it’s a wand and he gets it right on the money."
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Arsenal fans may have taken an extra bit of pleasure in the fact that it was Mudryk that Saka beat all ends up, given how close the Gunners came to landing the Ukrainian's signature before eventually snubbing them for their London rivals.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Is Gerrard's assessment of Mudryk fair? Comment below
Mykhaylo Mudryk disappointed agaisnt EnglandAnother ex-England star was less than impressed with Mudryk's showing, specifically in the first-half, as Stuart Peace suggested the £88million man was being played out of position.
"If I was Ukraine, I would get Mudryk on the opposite side of the pitch," he told talkSPORT at half-time. "Because at the moment, he’s up against somebody that has got his number.
"Walker has certainly got his number. He’s done nothing in the game Mudryk, and he’s arguably one of their better players."
Things failed to improve for Mudryk after the interval and the Chelsea man was eventually hooked by Ukraine boss Ruslan Rotan shortly after the hour mark.
At club level, Mudryk has hardly enjoyed a dream start at Stamford Bridge. He currently sits on a feeble return of just one assist in seven appearances across all competitions.
The 22-year-old has been used sparingly by Blues boss Graham Potter in recent weeks and performances like the one against England will do little to sway his manager at club level.