Advertisement

Enzo Maresca told Chelsea have their own Vinicius Jr but he may need to leave

Enzo Maresca with Mykhailo Mudryk after Chelsea's draw against Crystal Palace
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images))


Enzo Maresca has been told Chelsea could have their own Vinicius Jr but will face a major decision as a result. The Real Madrid star is arguably one of the best wingers in the world having helped Los Blancos win two Champions League titles with two goals in the final of both their recent triumphs.

Wingers in Maresca's system are crucial with his decision to exile Raheem Sterling showcasing exactly what he requires from his wide options. Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku have all been deployed on the flanks with the quartet enjoying varied success.

Both Madueke and Neto have impressed with the former's hat-trick against Wolves showcasing his ability which also directly resulted in his senior England debut. As for Nkunku and Mudryk, both utilised on the left so far this season, they have struggled significantly with the latter hooked off at half time against Wolves and Nkunku dropped following the opening game against Manchester City.

The Ukraine international has now been at Stamford Bridge for 18 months but he has been unable to make a lasting impact. Flashes of his ability have been on display but consistently providing contributions in front of goal has been the challenge.

Maresca is trying to help Mudryk develop, with clear instructions during games and honest admissions in press conferences, but he may have to accept the 23-year-old would be better off elsewhere with his fellow Ukrainian telling Maresca he has similar characteristics he has to Vinicius Jr, but not the good ones.

“Mudryk is like Vinicius in Real Madrid. He also does not work so hard on defence,” Ukrainian coach Yuriy Benyo told Tribuna. “He is in such a situation that he cannot even leave. There is a constant rotation of coaches.

READ MORE: Chilwell decision, Sancho and Felix included - Chelsea's dream 25-man Premier League squad

READ MORE: Enzo Maresca forced into unwanted Chelsea change for first time this season in Bournemouth clash

“Every coach who comes sees his talent and tries to use it, but when it comes to the game, his weak side becomes noticeable – playing without the ball, playing on defence, in pressing.

“If there was a coach who would work at Chelsea for at least two years, and he really wouldn’t count on Mudryk, then it’s better to leave. Every coach gives him a chance. It’s just that he’s at such an age that he needs to play.”

The Blues are set to face Bournemouth this weekend with a start for Mudryk seeming unlikely after he played 90 minutes for Ukraine against the Czech Republic just a few days ago.