“I will use him in the middle of the park , because he has the ability, vision, and personality” – Emmanuel Petit backs struggling Chelsea star to thrive in different position
Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Emmanuel Petit has backed Mykhaylo Mudryk to succeed in a new position for Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino.The Ukraine international has, so far, arguably failed to justify the £88.5 million Chelsea paid for him to Shakhtar Donetsk in January this year. With just two goals and three assists in 30 appearances, it is evident that he isn’t living up to expectations in west London.
Petit, however, thinks Mudryk can benefit from shifting towards a more central position on the pitch. The legendary Frenchman believes the 22-year-old could be a good option to play behind the No. 9 — as a No. 10 or perhaps as a second striker.Petit told King Casino Bonus (h/t Standard Sport):
“Mudryk sometimes looks nervous when he takes the ball and tries to take players on. He also doesn’t look confident in terms of his movement and linking with his fellow forwards. I think he’ll do ok.
“I was watching the Brighton game and I was wondering why, instead of being a left-winger, he doesn’t play behind the striker? I think he has the ability, vision, and personality to take the ball and dribble. If I were Pochettino, I would use him in the middle of the park.”
Mudryk played 81 minutes in his team’s 3-2 league win over Brighton & Hove Albion on 3 December, providing an assist for the third goal. He raced through the center of the pitch in the 61st minute, using his pace and dribbling to draw a foul and win the spot kick, which Enzo Fernandez converted.