Everton: ‘Shocking’ Vitalii Mykolenko proves doubters wrong after excellent display for Ukraine
Everton full-back Vitalii Mykolenko has silenced his doubters after his excellent display for Ukraine against North Macedonia on Saturday (14 October).
While Ukraine hasn’t qualified for Euro 2024, the Everton man’s performance took them one step closer with his defensive and attacking ability on show for the Prague crowds to see.
Mykolenko has faced his fair share of criticism this season. While the Toffees have struggled, the 24-year-old has had a mixed bag of a season in Everton blue, some justified, some not.
The former Dynamo Kyiv man faced criticism this season during the Toffees’ Premier League defeat against Luton Town, with BBC Sport pundit Rachel Brown-Finnis calling Mykolenko’s mistake for the Hatters’ opener “shocking”.
While she was accurate in her assessment of Myko’s football at that moment, many may feel that he doesn’t have a lot to offer the club, or that he could be improved upon cheaply. However, he has had very bright moments for Everton this season and his performance in Prague showed that he is still a top option for Sean Dyche.
Per SofaScore, Mykolenko made three clearances, one interception, four successful ground duels, and 83 per cent passing accuracy against North Macedonia, as well as a key pass across the full 90 minutes.
Such a confidence boost could prove useful for Dyche ahead of the Merseyside derby. Mykolenko is yet to face Malta before returning to Finch Farm, but another excellent performance would put him in good stead before their trip to Anfield.
As Dyche attempts to find a teamsheet fully capable of remaining in the Premier League, Mykolenko should have a genuine case to cement himself as the starting left-back. According to FBRef, Mykolenko has played just four 90s of football in the Premier League this season, despite displacing Ashley Young in that position to force him to right-back.
While a mistake or a lapse in concentration is no stranger to the Ukrainian, he has certainly vindicated himself from the “shocking” label and has the ability to perform in the struggling side.
In other Everton news, a £50million-plus failure is expected within weeks as answers have been demanded from Moshiri & 777.