Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi said Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has the potential to be a “star” in the Premier League despite his early struggles in the Premier League.
Mudryk was Chelsea’s second-most expensive signing in the last January transfer, just behind Enzo Fernandez who joined on the deadline day.
It is therefore hardly a surprise that many expected him to make an instant impact at the club.
However, rather than becoming a key player, the 22-year-old has even struggled with claiming a regular spot in the team.
He has so far registered just one assist in Chelsea colours and has yet to score a goal.
De Zerbi, under whom Mudryk played at Shakhtar Donetsk last season, still believes that the young winger has it takes to succeed in England.
“Mudryk is a top player and I think for him, it’s difficult to start in another country, in another team,” the Italian manager told talkSPORT when speaking about Mudryk.
“Everyone knows the situation of Chelsea this year, it’s very difficult, especially for a young player, for a young guy.
“But, he has the quality to become a star in the Premier League.”
In terms of potential, Mudryk undoubtedly has a very high ceiling.
His pace alone, which surprised his teammate Raheem Sterling, makes him a threat to opposition defenders.
That said, at Chelsea, he mostly faces teams that play low defensive lines, which forces him to adapt his play style.
In addition to that, as De Zerbi pointed out, Chelsea have underperformed this season, and this leaves little room for errors for young players like Mudryk who are in their adjustment period.
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