Gary Neville Throws Weights Behind Mykhaylo Mudryk’s Chelsea Debut Against Liverpool

Gary Neville Throws Weights Behind Mykhaylo Mudryk’s Chelsea Debut Against Liverpool. Manchester United veteran Gary Neville praised Mykhaylo Mudryk’s debut for Chelsea against Liverpool on Saturday (21 January). 

Manager Graham Potter gave Mudryk his debut in the game following his formal move to the club, much as he did with Joao Felix. Felix’s debut resulted in a red card in a 2-1 loss to Fulham earlier this month.

In comparison, Mudryk fared a little better against Liverpool. He was brought on from the bench in the 55th minute for Lewis Hall. The Ukraine international’s athleticism led James Milner to make a harsh tackle, resulting in a yellow card. He kept the Reds’ defenders on their toes and even had a decent chance to score when he struck the side-netting.

After only 10 minutes of seeing Mudryk in a Chelsea shirt, Neville claimed that he would not want to play against him. The former Manchester United right-back said on Twitter: “Seeing Mudryk for 10 mins I wouldn’t like to play against him!”

Seeing Mudryk for 10 mins I wouldn’t like to play against him!

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) January 21, 2023

The 22-year-old cost the Blues £88.6 million in transfer fees, including add-ons, after beating Arsenal in a close fight for the player. The quickness and dribbling abilities of the former Shakhtar Donetsk winger were on full display against Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp had to take off Milner for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 72nd minute to handle the threat posed by him. The match ultimately ended in a goalless draw at Anfield.

Given that it was an away game, the Blues might be happier with the outcome. However, neither team has benefited from it. Liverpool now sits ninth in the table with 29 points from 19 league games. The Blues, who have played one more game and have a worse goal difference, are tied for tenth with the same number of points.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter identified positives in the draw against Liverpool. “Performance was good, happy with the team and the energy. Happy with a lot, obviously we wanted to win, but it’s a clean sheet. We move forward.”

“First half we were decent. Little bit unlucky not to get the goal. Throughout, we had good energy. They started the second half well. Overall, positive day apart from that we wanted the three points.”