Mykhailo Mudryk Makes Long-Awaited Return After 646 Days as Tottenham Debut Stats Raise Questions
Mykhailo Mudryk finally returned to competitive football on Saturday, making his Tottenham debut during their disappointing 0-0 Premier League draw with Nottingham Forest.
The 25-year-old winger joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Chelsea on deadline day and was brought on in the 74th minute, replacing Mathys Tel.
However, Mudryk struggled to make a noticeable impact during his brief appearance. According to FotMob, he managed just four touches, completed one of his two attempted passes and covered 2.4 kilometres.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted after the match that Mudryk still needs time to regain his best physical condition.
«“He’s not ready yet. He’s working to reach the best physical condition. He needs time, he needs work,” De Zerbi said.»
It was another frustrating afternoon for Tottenham, who are still searching for their first Premier League goal of the season. Spurs failed to register a single shot on target in a league game at the City Ground for the first time since April 2022.
The team’s lack of creativity in the final third also made it difficult for Mudryk to influence proceedings after coming off the bench.
Despite the poor attacking display, De Zerbi insisted he was not overly concerned by the lack of shots on target, believing his side had enough opportunities to have scored several goals.
Mudryk Could Get More Chances Under De Zerbi
Mudryk’s return comes after a lengthy absence from competitive football. Before Saturday’s appearance, he had not played a competitive match since Chelsea’s Europa Conference League meeting with Heidenheim in 2024.
After resolving his doping case with the FA last month, Mudryk will now look to rebuild his career at Tottenham under De Zerbi.
Interestingly, the Spurs boss has previously spoken very highly of the Ukrainian winger. Back in 2022, while Brighton were reportedly interested in signing Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk, De Zerbi claimed the player had the ability to eventually win the Ballon d’Or.
De Zerbi said at the time that Mudryk was a “fantastic player” and insisted he had the potential to reach the very top of world football.
He repeated that belief a month later, describing Mudryk as a player capable of having a top-level career while also noting that the winger was “very sensitive” and needed affection and support.
Now reunited with the player at Tottenham, De Zerbi will hope he can help Mudryk rediscover the form and confidence that once made him one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.
