Every once in a while, a player emerges from a sticky situation and seems destined for greatness. Ukraine has produced some pretty sensational footballers: Andriy Shevchenko, Sergiy Rebrov and Anatoliy Tymoschuk. However, it looks like Mykhailo Mudryk could outshine even the aforementioned names, bringing about a major transfer over time.
The 21-year-old winger has emerged from Shakhtar Donetsk’s youth system, despite the team finding his life shattered due to the war in Ukraine.
Shakhtar’s expulsion from their home country canceled home games. Also, it removed the trusty training facilities that players are familiar with.
Mudryk is his prized jewel. The player who leads his team onto the pitch at the moment, and the salable asset who will bring in the funding to keep the club afloat as Ukrainian football struggles.
Who is Mykhailo Mudryk?
The winger has served his time on loan in Ukraine, playing for Arsenal Kyiv and Desna Chernihiv before breaking into Shakhtar’s senior team.
Upon his arrival in the first team, there has been no turning back for the creative wizard. In 17 Ukrainian Premier League games, Mudryk scored five goals and contributed 12 assists.
His natural game is giving chances to his teammates. This is an old-fashioned style of play as the wingers act as inside forwards.
Standing at 5’7, Mudryk is a diminutive playmaker. He can excel throughout the attacking line, although his best position is at left back.
At times, he served as number 10 for Shakhtar. This is not his favorite role.
Mudryk still doesn’t have the low center of gravity that has allowed smaller-framed players to dominate. If you think about Eden Hazard and Lionel Messi, they were at their best when they put on a little weight.
When Mudryk finally moves to a European giant, this will be one of his priorities.
Versatile and enjoyable skill set
It’s hard to look at Mudryk and not smile. His quick feet are attractive and there are some of Europe’s best playmakers in his game.
If I had to describe Mudryk, I would classify him as a cross between Neymar’s outrageous technical ability and Martin Odegaard’s direct creativity.
A penalty scored by Shakhtar Donetsk’s U19 side in 2019 highlighted these qualities. Mudryk took the kick from the penalty spot but simply passed the ball to a teammate who fired the ball into the net.
If there is something to prove, the Ukrainian international will do it. He attempts nutmeg shots and tries to beat defenders with dribbles. Is this a concern in a more physical league? Maybe, but it’s fantastic to watch.
The best transfer destination for Mykhailo Mudryk
Arsenal were desperate to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in the summer of 2022. Shakhtar turned down several offers worth more than $45m. Instead, the Ukrainian club sees a prodigious talent in his hands. Mudryk’s potential could net the club more than $100 million in the future.
Manchester United and Manchester City have previously expressed interest in the player. That said, Mancunian clubs express interest in virtually every player with their extensive scouting networks.
Mudryk will not stay in Ukraine beyond the 2022/23 season, he is too talented. However, it is interesting to try to choose a perfect destination for him.
It depends on the type of development that the player needs. The Premier League would be a huge shock for the skinny winger at the moment. Personally, he considers that Spain or France are the ideal style of football for him.
Borussia Dortmund have a great history of developing players like Mudryk, but they won’t be able to afford him in 2023.
Bayern Munich have never replaced Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery with skillful wingers, and with Thomas Muller nearing the end of his career, Mudryk could be a perfect fit for the Bavarian giants.
Real Madrid already have a lot of talent in attack and will only break their triumvirate if a superstar like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappé are available.
Barcelona does not have the fiscal capacity to sign the Ukrainian star, so all eyes turn to Paris.
Ligue 1 is an easy league for attacking talent to thrive in. Mudryk would find a step up in quality in France and gain experience in the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain can afford the 21-year-old and will need to replenish their forward line with younger talent. Mbappe may push to leave in the near future and Lionel Messi’s contract expires in June 2023.
Mudryk would immediately thrive in an attacking system and might not have the baggage that has caused PSG so much administrative headache in recent years.
His style fits perfectly with the French champions. It would be a big surprise if they don’t send a Mykhailo Mudryk transfer inquiry in 2023.
PHOTO: IMAGO / AFLOSPORT
