Chelsea Legend Says Mykhailo Mudryk Can't Kick The Ball

Chelsea midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk (left) has received criticism from club legend (X/@ChelseaFC).

JAKARTA - Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk received sharp criticism for playing poorly when he was beaten 0-1 by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup first leg semifinal match. Chelsea legend Craig Burley called Mudryk a player who couldn't kick the ball.

Players are expensive, but can't kick the ball. So criticism of Chelsea legend against Mudryk.

Yes, Mudryk was bought by Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for 88 million or 100 million euros in January 2023. The transfer made him the most expensive player in the history of Ukrainian football.

Not only expensive, Mudryk's recruitment also made a scene. The reason is, he almost joined Arsenal.

However, Chelsea finally won the Ukrainian national team player. The fight between the two London clubs shows that Mudryk has qualified quality.

However, that hope was not fulfilled immediately. Mudryk is still unable to fulfill the Blues' expectations. Likewise, when he was played in the second half when Chelsea lost to Boro in the first leg of the English League Cup or Carabao Cup at Sungai Stadium, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, early morning WIB. Mudryk failed to raise the team's performance.

Luckily Chelsea have not been eliminated because there is still a second leg semifinal that will be held at home. At least, they have to win 2-0 to get rid of Boro.

"Chelsea paid 88 million for Mykhailo Mudryk. Arsenal are also hunting him," said Burley.

"However, he couldn't let go of the cross. In fact, he actually couldn't kick the ball and could only run. He might beat 99.9 percent of people on the planet to run 100 meters," he said again.

"The problem is that there is a white ball that is not too big which must be directed to one particular point. It (the ball) must be inserted into the goal or kicked cross. He can't do it anymore," said Burley.

Meanwhile, another former Chelsea, Wayne Bridge, assessed that the Blues players did not have a strong mentality that resulted in defeat to Boro. This is different from the team handled by Jose Mourinho.

"Mourinho builds mentality. He wants the quality of players to continue to improve the day after tomorrow in every practice. There is no laziness," said Bridge.

"Even players like Arjen Robben and Joe Cole who have great skills still have to undergo hard training," he said.

"The etching of teamwork at that time was very good. Everyone supports each other," said the former England national team player.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino admits the team made a mistake. They created a lot of chances, but no goals were created.

Pochettino did not want the mistake to be repeated in the semi-final of the second leg at Stamford Bridge on January 23, 2024.