Scout Reports

FPL new signings: Who is Mykhailo Mudryk?

Chelsea poached Mykhailo Mudryk (£7.0m) from under the noses of Arsenal last weekend, signing the 22-year-old in a projected £88m deal from Shakhtar Donetsk.

He caught the eye in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage and arrives on the back of 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions this season.

The Ukrainian winger was paraded on the pitch at half-time during Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, after signing a whopping eight-and-a-half-year deal.

Mudryk has since been priced up as a £7.0m midfielder by FPL and could make his debut when the Blues travel to Liverpool in the opening fixture of Gameweek 21 on Saturday.

But is Chelsea’s new signing worthy of Fantasy interest? We’ll assess his appeal in this Scout Report piece.

MUDRYK’S HISTORY

SeasonClubCompetitionAppsGoalsAssists
2022/23Shakhtar DonetskPremier Liga1276
Champions League632
2021/22Shakhtar DonetskPremier Liga1127
Ukrainian Cup101
Champions League701
2020/21Shakhtar DonetskPremier Liga300
Ukrainian Cup100
Desna Chernigiv (loan)Premier Liga1000
2019/20Shakhtar DonetskPremier Liga300
2018/19Shakhtar DonetskUkrainian Cup100
Arsenal Kyiv (loan)Premier Liga1000

Coming through Skakhtar Donetsk’s youth academy, Mudryk was handed a first-team debut in a Ukrainian Cup match at the age of 17.

The next step was a loan move to Arsenal Kyiv before he returned to Shakhtar and made three Premier Liga appearances in 2019/20.

Another loan followed, to Desna Chernigiv, where he gained vital experience, which helped him establish himself upon his return to his parent club, who had just appointed current Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Mudryk scored his first goal in October 2021 and featured in every UCL group-stage game that season, including matches against Real Madrid and Inter Milan. However, the domestic league was halted due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, leaving him with only 11 Premier Liga appearances in 2021/22.

The current campaign sees him boast seven goals and six assists in 12 league appearances, with five goal involvements in six UCL outings, an impressive showing given that Shakhtar were outsiders in their group.

For Ukraine’s national side, Mudryk has eight caps to his name so far, having made his international debut last year.

WHERE WILL HE FIT IN AT CHELSEA?

Dubbed the ‘Ukrainian Neymar’, Mudryk can play either in a wide position, as a number 10 or as a forward, but many of his best performances came when cutting in from the left onto his preferred right foot.

He is quick, his movement is great and he is equally comfortable staying wide or moving into more central areas.

As a result, it’s likely Mudryk will perform as a left-winger at Chelsea, certainly initially given the injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, which includes positional rivals Raheem Sterling (£9.7m) and Christian Pulisic (£5.7m).

Therefore, we could potentially see Graham Potter favour a front three of Mudryk, Kai Havertz (£7.8m) and Joao Felix (£7.5m), once the latter returns from suspension of course.

IN QUOTES

“It’s more comfortable for me when I play on the line where I can show all my potential one against one. I have more space to move to the front and I can create a lot more chances when I play on the line. There are more people in the middle. But, you know, the middle is also OK for me. My inspiration is Cristiano Ronaldo because of what you can do if you work hard and believe in yourself. I like the way Cristiano plays. I see myself like that – a winger. But I need more time to change my position from No. 11 or No. 7 to No. 9. With time it is possible.” – Mykhailo Mudryk

“He’s a young player with a big future. He has exciting quality in the final third, very fast and direct, attacks the backline, can go in wide areas but also affects the goal. He’s a really exciting player and I think our supporters will like him.” – Graham Potter

“I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or.” – Roberto De Zerbi, Mudryk’s former manager at Shakhtar

“Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, he’s the best player in Europe in his position. If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot of money and respect our club and president.” – Darijo Srna, Shakhtar’s director of football

THE FPL PROSPECTS

The biggest problem at Chelsea right now is clearly at the top of the pitch, with just five goals scored in five games since the Premier League restarted, and 12 in 12 overall under Graham Potter. Across the 2022/23 campaign, the Blues rank 13th for minutes-per-xG (81.4), so it’s clear they need more quality in attack.

In that sense, the signing of Mudryk should provide a much-needed spark and help boost their numbers.

Due to those aforementioned injuries, it’s likely Potter will want to integrate Mudryk into his starting XI as quickly as possible (see Joao Felix), potentially as soon as Saturday’s visit to Anfield.

Mudryk may still be a little rough around the edges, but we’ve seen a huge step up in his output this season, with the obvious caveat that the Premier League is levels above the Ukrainian top flight. However, he’s already produced in the UCL, which offers encouragement that he can hit the ground running.

MUDRYK – CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2022/23
Appearances6
Goals3
Assists2
xG1.11
Shots9
Chances created5

Mudryk was Shakhtar’s nominated set-piece taker because of his excellent crossing ability, so a share of dead-ball duties would boost his potential in FPL. Meanwhile, 1.33 key passes per 90 minutes (p90) in the UCL this season hints at his potential as a creator, while eight dribbles p90 shows a willingness to take players on in the final third in an attempt to make things happen.

The issue for Mudryk is the number of appealing midfielders available to FPL managers right now, which suggests it will be hard for most of us to fit him in.

Saying that, Chelsea have a favourable run of fixtures, including West Ham and Southampton in the next four Gameweeks, so Mudryk could be an option for anyone looking to break the template.

Nonetheless, with so many strong midfield options in the same price bracket, allowing him time to settle is probably best advised.




373 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TheTinman
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    I know he looks like a great prospect and exciting player. But Mudryk is so unproven it is crazy that Chelsea are splashing so much money on him.

    Everyone always puts emphasis on his champions league form, but those goals and assists were against RB Leipzig (1G 2A) which is good and 2G vs Celtic.

    So really he is massively unproven.

    Really interesting to see how he performs. Could go either way.

    Chelsea seem to be taking huge risks overpaying by 25% plus for every signing and putting them on huge long term contracts (clearly due to FFP challenges). We could see a Man Utd esq 10yrs in the wilderness (relative) for Chelsea if these risks don't pay off.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Yeah definitely a wait a see.

      Chelsea have too many problems, and one winger won't solve that.

      They miss Rudiger and Kante's bite in the centre, it makes it hard to win the ball high up the field and control games.

      They've also got big fullback issues.

      The team needs a lot of work.

    2. CheesyZoot
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Agree that it's way overpriced, but let's not pretend that the CEO of Shaktar didn't recently come out and confirm that Arsenal offered the same, albeit in installments, but still the €100m price tag...

      The long term contracts are a new phenomenon, but you can bet you will start seeing all other top teams following this model moving forward

      Finally, you would be mad to think Chelsea are going to stop there. Expect a midfielder and a right-back before the end of the Jan window

      No guarantees any of it works though, but it's interesting to watch

  2. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Not looking great for Kepa/ Ward owners (including myself)

    GW21 clean sheet %

    MCI: 58%
    WHU: 43%
    NEW: 42%
    ARS: 33%
    BHA: 33%
    LIV: 32%
    AVL: 31%
    BOU: 31%
    TOT: 30%
    NOT: 29%
    SOU: 28%
    LEE: 27%
    CPL: 25%
    BRE: 24%
    FUL: 22%
    LEI: 22%
    EVE: 21%
    MUN: 20%
    CHE: 17%
    WOL: 8%

    1. I SPEAK ENGELS AND DRINK GI…
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      will go with Kepa anyway, there will be save points

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        That's where I am at the moment. I don't see Ward getting more save points compared to goals conceded against Brighton!

    2. yoges
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Interesting that MUN is so far down the list…

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Away to Arsenal, best team in the league, I'm not surprised at those %

        1. yoges
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Guess so. I think both sides will concede though. Going to be a cracking game!

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Yep, but going to wait until I have 2FTs and nothing more important to do.

      Transfers go furthest when moving out injured/unavailable players, so they always get higher priority for me.

      Moving one playing GK for another playing GK has relatively limited impact, so I consider it luxury. e.g. Going 0pts->2/6pts is more impactful than going 2/3pts->2/7pts

      We have no idea what will happen. Kepa could get good scores in those games through save points. Other players in your team could get injuries and force hits because you made a luxury transfer too early.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Certainly a luxury move. I don't think Chelsea have any potential blank in the foreseeable and Kepa has a good ceiling when he keeps a CS

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Good points

    4. Botman and Robben
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Ward has not kept a CS in his last 4 so no surprise.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Also factor in how good Brighton attack has been in recent games

    5. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I have Kepa and Ward but Kepa is a set and forget at the moment for me.

      Other than Pope, the premium keepers have all been meh this season anyway.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Agreed with the set and forget approach rather than worrying about GK rotation

    6. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      When I went de Gea and Ward as a rotation at restart, it was based on the fact that Brighton would not be the best attacking team in the league and Leicester wouldn't be League 1 standard, for this week.

    7. Mirror Man
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Was it ever?

      • ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Won't be surprised if Chelsea keep a CS vs Liverpool

      • Amartey Partey
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Arsenal 33% yeah right.

    8. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      nketiah to toney

      yay or nay?

      1. Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Without confirmation of a double in 22 ... nay.

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Arsenal double in 23 unless you want to move to a different arsenal asset

        1. Serresiete
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          ESR ?

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Not an option for me. Needs more starts/ mins along with good underlying stats before being considered an option again

          2. dunas_dog
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Only if you want a few 1 pointers as can see him as sub, starting occasionally when fixtures heavy, and playing cup games. Cannot see him as regular starter ahead of Martinelli/Ødegaard.

      3. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Neigh

      4. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I wouldn't no

    9. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      If you have Ødegaard & White with Ramsdale would u sell him for Pope till end of season and also can get Saka / Martinelli for DGW 23 ??

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Without a second thought.

        1. Dion D's Solo Shower
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Absolutely. Two Arsenal midfielders is needed and very much obtainable

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Yeah, I don't have 2 and I'm paying for it every week.

      2. OptimusBlack
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Cheers Guys

    10. TanN
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Some help please!

      Kepa
      Trippier Botman Shaw Walker
      KDB Martinelli Rashford Almiron
      Haaland Kane

      Ward White Mitrovic Andreas

      Have I benched the right people?
      I have 1FT, is there a major issue to address or shall I save the FT?

      1. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I would probably play White ahead of Shaw.

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Mitro over Shaw for me, unless you think Walker might be benched after the City lineup and/or performance vs Spurs tomorrow, which would mean Mitro over Walker. I fancy Mitro for a goal or brace in the first half vs Spurs

        No major issue, I'd roll and attack the possible DGW22 with 2 FTs

      3. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Start Mitro over Shaw. Save FT

      4. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Shaw is class but I wouldn't play him against that lot. Play Metro or White.

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I do prefer some Retro hits

    11. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      https://twitter.com/ColmVHayes/status/1615666346485850113?s=20&t=eCcyNdaq7uLNcxl5Km07rw

      A thread of EtH's quote on Shaw's versatility at LB and LCB, and how they plan to flip Shaw between the two roles for tactical reasons. I guess this means I won't consider Malacia and Martinez as options for a while

      1. Dion D's Solo Shower
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        But were you ever going to consider Martinez?
        Malacia, due to price, could be tempting, but if you want to go double Man U defence it's either DeGea or Dalot, for me.

        Interesting read though! Shaw has definitely impressed as LCB lately, which is good for BPS, but bad for his attacking output, obviously.

        1. Ze_Austin
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Consider for my team? Not even close. Consider as a cheap alternative option when having conversations? Yes, I previously did, but not anymore. I once mentioned that Martinez was one of the few nailed Man U defenders (when someone asked) because I thought Shaw was just covering for him due to World Cup celebrations

          But now I've seen that this is a long-term tactical shift, so that's added Martinez to the Malacia and AWB pile for me

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I think this provides enough info for Martinez owners to sell him.

    12. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Mount to Ode this week or wait until next GW, given his easier fixture against Liverpool?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yup sell Mount

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Sell.

    13. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Danilo £4.5m MID for Forest
      Sarabia £5.5m MID for Wolves

      https://twitter.com/FPLStatus/status/1615680659753664513?s=20&t=eCcyNdaq7uLNcxl5Km07rw

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Ta Ze.

    14. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Keep Salah vs Chelsea or sell for KDB?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Need an update on KDB. Presser scheduled today at 12:30

        1. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Oh didn't realise he was a doubt

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Didn't train yesterday, which is lucky for you.

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Why buy KDB? Are you just getting someone who happens to be a similar price and ignoring all those who are far cheaper and far better?

    15. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Is this G2G 1FT 0ITB
      Ward
      Cancelo Shaw Trippier
      Salah Rashford Bruno Rodrigo Martinelli
      Haaland Mitro
      Ramsadale -VVD(injured)-Perraud-Greenwood

      Who do I change VVD for?
      A. Moreno?
      B. Botman>
      C. Anyone else?

      1. Dion D's Solo Shower
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Schar or Botman, yes

        1. nico05
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Cheers, any preference as to which is best? Is it not overkill with having Trippier?

    16. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      A few minutes to Pep's presser

      Wouldn't be surprised to get some form of "You'll find out on Sunday" as his answer to the KDB question

      1. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        *tomorrow, not Sunday

      2. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/manchester-city-pep-guardiola-tottenham-press-conference-video-63809638

        Pep's presser, live. Not sure how this works, as the video hasn't started yet. Maybe he's late

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yup either running late or haven't started the feed yet.

          1. Ze_Austin
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Live now. Wished him a happy birthday

            First question: KDB

            Personal issue, could not train. He's back

      3. No Kane No Gain
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        It’s his birthday today so hopefully he’s in a good mood and reveals all

        1. KeanosMagic
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I hope people bought him cake

          1. notlob legin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I hope not....

            https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64315384

    17. KeanosMagic
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Play Shaw (Arsenal away)
      Cucurella (Liverpool away)
      Bueno (City away)

      Got to be Shaw?

      1. Amartey Partey
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yes

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Shaw

      3. Ze_Austin
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Cucurella might not even start

        Bueno is at risk of negative figures, depending on which version of City shows up

        So yeah, Shaw

    18. Amartey Partey
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      When is the rumored double for Brentford?

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        22

        1. Amartey Partey
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Thanks, who might be the team they could play?

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            United

            1. Ze_Austin
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Yeah. United should either get Leeds or Brentford as their double, depending on what happens in the Cup game

              1. Amartey Partey
                • 5 Years
                1 year, 9 months ago

                So it just requires United and Brentford not to have an FA Cup replay?

    19. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Pep Guardiola says De Bruyne didn't train because of a personal issue but is back today and fine for the Spurs game

    20. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Kevin back for Spurs

    21. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Dias and Stones in contention for the Spurs game tomorrow

      1. nico05
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Really?

        1. Tonyawesome69
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yes confirmed by Pep in the presser

    22. Bartowski
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      It was just the sh*ts guys!

      https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1615691515476709376

    23. Lionel Fellaini
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Play 2 of Shaw, White and Castagne. Leaning towards Shaw and White.
      Other defenders are Trippier and Patterson.

      1. Samsonite
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I have the same dilemma. Was on a castagne as part of a more ‘all in’ strategy but I feel like that rarely comes off. Probably end up with Shaw in there

    24. abaalan
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Kepa (Ward)
      White, Shaw, trippier (tete, Beuno)
      Rashford, KDB, martinelli, Almiron, (Andreas)
      Haaland, kane, Toney

      1FT , 2.1 ITB...anything worth doing? Nothing really i can see obvious - perhaps Mitoma for Almiron/Andreas?