‘Mykhailo Mudryk has the quality to win the Ballon d’Or’

Shakhtar Donetsk star Georgiy Sudakov believes that Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or during his career.

Mudryk, 23, moved to Stamford Bridge for an initial €70 million in January 2023 and that fee could rise to €100m if certain add-on clauses are met.

The Ukraine international has endured a tricky start to life in England, however, and he has notched just six goals in his opening 51 appearances for Chelsea.

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Mudryk is yet to establish himself as a consistent starter under Mauricio Pochettino, but he has been included in the starting XI in three of Chelsea’s last four Premier League matches.

During the March international break, Mudryk scored the winner for Ukraine in their European Championship play-off final match against Iceland, with the Chelsea man booking his nation’s place at EURO 2024 as a result.

Sudakov provided the assist for Mudryk’s goal and believes his international team-mate is capable of reaching the very top.

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He told CaughtOffside: “Mykhailo is an incredibly talented and hard-working person. I am sure he has all the amazing qualities necessary to eventually win the Ballon d’Or.”

This sentiment has previously also been made by current Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, who coached Mudryk at Shakhtar.

Georgiy Sudakov to move to the Premier League?

Sudakov has been linked with joining Mudryk at Stamford Bridge, although the Blues are reportedly not interested in signing the 21-year-old, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Shakhtar attacking midfielder is, however, being watched by Tottenham Hotspur. Sudakov has seven goals and three assists in 28 games in all competitions so far this season, although he has only bagged one league goal since September.

His current contract at Shakhtar runs until 2028, while he has a €150m release clause. Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Sudakov since the start of the 2023-24 campaign.