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Football pundit and former Rangers manager Ally McCoist has lauded new Chelsea signing Mykhaylo Mudryk for his performance against Liverpool. McCoist said that the young forward is quicker than Blues legend Eden Hazard.
The Ukrainian was one of the few bright spots in a largely dour Premier League game that ended goalless at Anfield on Saturday (January 21). Mudryk came off the bench for teenager Lewis Hall in the 55th minute and instantly improved his side's attack.
Speaking on "talkSPORT Breakfast" on Monday (January 23), McCoist said (as quoted by the Express):
"I'm having him. He looks the real deal. I'll tell you what he is; he's a lot quicker than Hazard. He is a flying machine. He was on for two minutes, and James Milner was chasing him like me at the six-a-side at this moment in time."
Hazard was also known for his acceleration and dribbling ability during his seven-year stint at Stamford Bridge between 2012 and 2019. The Belgian recorded 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances for the Blues, winning six titles.
The former Scotland international also referenced an incident that took place ten minutes after Mudryk came on for Chelsea. His burst of pace saw him beat James Milner, deployed at right-back, and the veteran was forced to foul him, receiving a yellow card for his troubles.
McCoist said:
"What a turn of pace it was, and James was just a little bit late with the tackle, got a yellow card. But no, what a cameo for a start, I thought he probably should have won the game actually to tell you the truth."
He added about the overall game:
"I enjoyed that second half; first half wasn't great and was devoid of any real quality, but I enjoyed the second half. I thought Chelsea played well and could have won the game. Liverpool still searching for it. Darwin Nunez came on, but they look as though they're just searching for a little bit of form, somebody to trigger them to get them going. But no, Mudryk certainly excited the Chelsea fans."
The Blues (29) are tenth in the standings after 20 games.
Mykhaylo Mudryk certainly troubled Liverpool during his cameo for Chelsea
Mykhaylo Mudryk enjoyed an encouraging debut for Chelsea during their clash against Liverpool.
He had 28 touches and completed 13 of his 14 passes, getting into good positions and recording one shot, which was off target. Mudryk also made three tackles, completed two dribbles - no other Blues player recorded more than one - and won six of his eight ground duels.
His Premier League bow was certainly impressive. Fans will be eager to see more from the Ukrainian going forward as the Blues look to rescue a withering fight for a top-four league finish.
The draw against Liverpool left Chelsea tenth in the standings, ten behind fourth-placed Manchester United, who lost 3-2 to Arsenal on Sunday (January 22).
