What does confirmed signing Vitaliy Mykolenko bring to Everton?

With Everton confirming the signing of left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kiev, what will the Ukrainian bring to Rafa Benítez's back line?

Everton officially confirmed the signing of the Ukraine defender with a tweet on New Years' Day. The message confirms that the youngster has signed a bumper deal until 2026.

The full-back is widely considered to be Everton's replacement for Lucas Digne who looks likely to leave the club this January.

Positional change

Mykolenko began his career as a centre-back in Dynamo Kiev's youth set-up. However, his left-footed passing ability allowed him to venture out to left-back and try his hand in a new role.

Despite attracting attention from Champions League and Europa League teams across the continent, Mykolenko's career hasn't been without mistakes.

A poor decision during a World Cup qualifier against Finland in March 2021 saw the youngster sit with his head in his hands post-match.

The star quickly made up for his mistakes though with solid performances at club level keeping him on the radars of some top European sides.

Versatility

Despite Mykolenko's change in position, the Cherkasy-born defender is still able to deputise as a left-sided centre-back. He has been utilised in a back-three at international level and gives Benítez another centre-half option which is sure to be welcome.

Yerry Mina is currently out injured so an option certainly wouldn't go amiss.

Defensive capabilities

One qualm with Digne is that his prowess lies in his attacking capabilities. With Benítez favouring a more defensively sound presence at full-back, Mykolenko provides that in abundance.

Despite sitting in second place in the Ukrainian Premier League, Dynamo Kiev have conceded the fewest goals this season domestically. Mircea Lucescu's side will certainly miss Mykolenko as he embarks on an exciting journey at Goodison Park.

Top-level experience

In Mykolenko, the Toffees have picked up a defender with an incredible amount of experience of playing top sides for such a young player.

The Ukrainian has faced Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Juventus in the Champions League in the last few years as well as England, Germany and France at national level. This experience will certainly help him when it comes to facing off against elite sides in the Premier League.

Digne's future still hangs in the balance but the arrival of Mykolenko is definitely an exciting one for Everton fans.

In other Everton news, an Allardyce signing could be on his way out of Goodison Park.