Former Shakhtar Donetsk chief Jose Boto has backed Mykhailo Mudryk to do "incredible things" at Chelsea. However, he has warned the Ukrainian star he must be patient in order to do so.
It is no secret that the Ukrainian has failed to set the world alight since his big-money switch in January. The Blues were understood to have snatched Mudryk from under Arsenal’s noses for a deal rising above €100million (£87.3million).
But just two goals and as many assists in 28 appearances has done little to justify his mammoth price tag thus far. A remarkable stat is how Mudryk has completed an entire 90 minutes just once since joining Chelsea.
His failures have, in many people’s eyes, personified Chelsea’s struggles as a whole under Todd Boehly. However, the winger is still just 22 and has a staggering seven years remaining on his contract, so he has time to improve.
One man who knows him better than most is ex-Shakhtar supremo Boto. The Portuguese sporting director was at the helm when Mudryk broke into the first team, making his debut just months into Boto’s tenure.
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He has urged Mudryk - and Chelsea fans - to stay patient as, in his opinion, the Ukranian can achieve "incredible" feats at Stamford Bridge. Boto also revealed what attribute Mudryk has that can frighten opposition defenders.
"Mudryk is a player whose technique and attitude are his best attributes," he told Tutto Mercato. "He is also fast and, sometimes, when he sets off at speed, it really is impossible to stop him.
"At the moment, he is not going through his best moment because the expectations of his club are very high. The level of Chelsea is very high, but it’s normal. He has to be patient, keep working and remember that he is still young. He can do incredible things in his career."
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