Andriy Shevchenko leaps to the defence of Mykhailo Mudryk

‘He’s for the future!’: Andriy Shevchenko leaps to the defence of Mykhailo Mudryk after the Ukrainian’s tough start to his Chelsea career continued in loss to Aston Villa on Saturday… and insists his countryman is ‘in good hands’ at Stamford Bridge

• Mudryk joined Chelsea for £88.5million in January but is yet to score for them
• He was presented with a great opportunity versus Villa but fluffed his lines
• Shevchenko insisted the forward will come good if he is given time at the club

Andriy Shevchenko has leapt to the defence of Mykhailo Mudryk after the forward’s difficult start to life at Chelsea continued.

Mudryk joined the Blues for £88.5million in January in a transfer that raised eyebrows of many as the relatively unknown youngster became one of the most expensive players of all time.

He’s not found it plane sailing since his move to London, failing to score for the club in eight appearances.

The Ukrainian was presented with a golden opportunity in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, virtually one-on-one with Emiliano Martinez, but fluffed his lines in takin the shot early, and Martinez gathered easily.

Former Ukraine manager and Chelsea forward Shevchenko, via BBC Sport, defended his fellow countryman, however, insisting that he will come good in the end.

Mykhailo Mudryk (left) continued his slow start to his Chelsea career against Aston Villa

The Ukraine international is yet to score for the club since his £88.5million move to the club

Andriy Shevchenko has leapt to the defence of the forward, insisting he is ‘for the future’

‘Chelsea have bought a talented player when he is very young, for the future,’ he said. ‘He’s just starting his path in a massive football career. 

‘He’s part of an ambitious project. He’s in good hands. The decision to get him right now was down to how much the club believe in his talent.’

Mudryk, 22, had scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Shakhtar this season but has struggled to live up to expectations in a blue shirt.

Shevchenko, who played for Chelsea between 2006 and 2009, said the forward is ‘in good hands’

Graham Potter’s side however are struggling generally, and slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table with the defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were booed off once again by their home fans as pressure continues to grow on Potter, but the former Brighton boss has once again attempted to rally his side. 

‘We have to accept it [the result] and do better,’ he said on Sky Sports. ‘We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have a fantastic game on Tuesday [at home to Liverpool] to put it right.’

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