'Big talent': Roberto De Zerbi is convinced £89m Chelsea star will soon deliver at the club
All the build-up ahead of Chelsea’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this evening.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi says the drastic change in culture and football has affected Mykhailo Mudryk but expected him to start to feel more and more comfortable after a slow start to life in west London.
Mudryk was a key player for De Zerbi during his time in the Ukraine and he previously predicted that Mudryk would be a future Ballon d'Or winner.
But after 30 league games this season, the 23-year-old has only five goals to show for ahead of a meeting at the Amex this evening with the Seagulls looking to finish in top 10 of the league table, while Chelsea aim for a Europa League spot.
Asked what he made of the performance of a player he once tipped to be the best in the world, De Zerbi said: “I think it was tough for him changing country, changing the level of difficulty of the league. The competition inside of the Chelsea squad is higher than Shakhtar.
“But he’s a smart guy, he loves football and I think the management of the club, of Pochettino, has been right because now he’s playing very well and he’s a big, big talent.”
Chelsea are flying heading into the Amex
After what has been a difficult first season under Mauricio Pochettino the Blues have got sixth place in sight and have only lost once in their last 13 games.
Brighton got a good draw against Newcastle last time out and they remain a side capable of hurting Chelsea but you’d expect the west London side to be favourites for this one.
Club captain Reece James has come through another week of training and is expected to get more minutes under his belt.