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Former coach believes Chelsea new boy should have shunned Blues for arch-rivals

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2023

Rio Ferdinand spots an early pattern in the game of Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

Andres Carrasco believes Mykhaylo Mudryk should have opted for Arsenal over Chelsea

Andres Carrasco wanted Mykhaylo Mudryk to join Arsenal over Chelsea and believes the youngster would have fit in well at The Emirates.

The 22-year-old joined Chelsea following a transfer battle between the Blues and Arsenal. The North Londoners came close to signing the player after Mudryk agreed to personal terms with Arsenal.

However, Chelsea were able to steal a march by paying an initial £62 million for the 22-year-old. With the total cost perhaps climbing to £87 million with add-ons, Todd Boehly and co blew their rivals out of the water.

Andres Carrasco believes Mykhaylo Mudryk should have opted for Arsenal over Chelsea. — Mykhailo Mudryk enjoyed a promising debut. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The youngster was unveiled during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace and made his debut in the next match against Liverpool at Anfield. Mudryk showed early promise as he was able to display his ability to burst into space and use his fast feet to overcome defenders.

These attributes undoubtedly attracted Chelsea fans, who will want to see more of it for the rest of the season. The Blues lack imagination upfront and need a player of the 22-year-old’s abilities.

Carrasco, who managed Mudryk when he was the head coach of Shakhtar Donetsk’s under-19 team, was dismayed by his move to West London. He suggested that the 22-year-old should have joined Arsenal when speaking to Tribuna (h/t Mirror.UK), as he said:

“But it is good for Mudryk to be in a club that always expects maximum results.Now, he needs to go through a period of adaptation. And only time will tell if it was the right decision for him or not.”
“Today, Arsenal, with its style of play, could be more suitable for Mudryk, who successfully uses dribbling and plays one-on-one.” “It would be better for him, in my opinion.”

He may be correct in his assessment, but Chelsea have also been lacking a player with the confidence to challenge defenders and even create opportunities. His introduction against Liverpool altered the trajectory of Chelsea’s game by giving it new vitality.

Legendary striker Ian Wright defends Mykhailo Mudryk for choosing Chelsea over Arsenal. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

James Milner’s inability to keep up with him caused Jurgen Klopp distress, forcing him to bring on Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Englishman too struggled to keep Mudryk quiet. Since Eden Hazard, we haven’t seen many players with his playing style, defender-beating talent, and ball-controlling poise.

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However, the self-esteem Mudryk showed in challenging defenders and his ball control on his debut might have given Chelsea faithful some nostalgia and reason to believe in him as he could make a big influence for the club.

But we shouldn’t hold ourselves to higher expectations because he still has a long way to go before he can blossom at Chelsea, bring us joy, and lead the team to glory.