Mykhaylo Mudryk is already facing criticism as Chelsea say they could have a new Timo Werner | Soccer | sport

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BBC pundit Garth Crooks believes Chelsea new signing Mykhaylo Mudryk showed similar qualities to Timo Werner on his debut for the club last weekend. The winger entered the fray against Liverpool in the 55th minute and made an instant impact, but was unable to open his account for the club.

Mudryk appeared destined to sign for Arsenal earlier this month after being identified as their top target by Mikel Arteta. However, the Gunners were unable to justify the payment of 88 million on his services and saw two lower offers rejected for his services with unfavorable payment plans.

Chelsea kept tabs on the situation and rushed to strike a quick deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for his services, completing the diversion in less than 48 hours. Although Crooks believes the club will want to see more of their new signing to justify the investment.

He told BBC Sport: Graham Potter’s team are sporting a number of new imports, of which Mykhailo Mudryk is one. The Ukraine international was quick, had two good feet, had awareness but didn’t look too good in front of goal.

I hope for Chelsea’s sake he’s not another Timo Werner, who had all the makings of a great striker but couldn’t finish. Werner was sold to RB Leipzig over the summer after two campaigns at Stamford Bridge.

The Germany international scored 23 goals in 89 appearances for the club, although he certainly could have doubled that tally had he not left his shooting boots behind in the Bundesliga. Werner consistently missed big chances for the Blues but remained a key part of the team due to how central he was to creating chances and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.

The striker has scored five goals in 11 Bundesliga appearances so far this season, one shy of his best ever Premier League tally. However, it seems very premature to compare the 26-year-old to Mudryk, who hadn’t played a competitive game since late November before his exit at Anfield.

The 22-year-old also impressed with his electric pace and willingness to take on his man, and many believe it was a very promising start rather than one that suggested reason to be skeptical. It remains to be seen whether Mudryk will be able to open his account for the Potter side against Fulham next week, in what is a crucial fixture for both teams.

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