Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi has told journalist Antonello Guerrera that new Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has he potential to win the Balon d’Or.
The Blues completed the signing of the 22-year-old last weekend as they continue to strengthen their side in the January transfer window.
The Ukrainian has joined the likes of Joao Felix and Benoit Badiashile as new additions that show a continuation of the ambition of the club’s new ownership team.
The speed that very team worked at helped them secure the deal, with Arsenal considered the favourites for the signing for the majority of the transfer window.
However, it was Stamford Bridge where he was introduced to the supporters on Sunday in the middle of the club’s London derby victory over Crystal Palace.
De Zerbi tips Mudryk for Balon d’Or
While many have only seen a couple of sensational Champions League performances from the much-praised winger, there is a question over how good he already is, and how high is ceiling is.
De Zerbi, who took over from Graham Potter at Brighton, has claimed Mudryk has the ability to challenge the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland for the Balon d’Or in the future.
He said: “I know Mudryk very well: he’s top, top player. He could win the Ballon d’Or in the future”.
The current Seagulls manager was the coach of Shakhtar Donetsk before making the switch to England late last year, so is therefore a better judge than most on his ability.
Chelsea fans will now be desperate to see their new signing in action, with flickers of optimism perhaps starting to return to the Stamford Bridge faithful.
With a huge game against Liverpool to come this weekend, and Felix still suspended after his red card against Fulham, a spark from nowhere may be what’s needed to get Potter his first win against a traditional big side as Blues boss.
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