Enzo Maresca praises Mykhailo Mudryk after 'slow' start at Chelsea
Enzo Maresca has admitted that he is very happy for Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk after his impressive performance against Panathinaikos.
The winger was direct as he set up Joao Felix's opener in the first half in Athens before netting a goal of his own in the second half.
Chelsea were in complete control with Felix adding his second of the game before Christopher Nkunku's penalty made it 4-0.
Facundo Pellistri pulled a goal back for the hosts, but Chelsea remained in control to see out the game.
Despite Felix's brace, it was Mudryk who has taken the plaudits after his incredible performance in the Conference League, where he grabbed two assists.
Mudryk was left out of the matchday squad to face Liverpool on Sunday, with Maresca admitting that this was a 'technical decision'.
The Ukrainian was keen to impress when handed the start against Panathinaikos, and he was arguably the best player on the pitch.
Speaking to the press after the match, via football.london, Maresca heaped praise on Mudryk.
"Very happy for him," Maresca began. "We have been working with the wingers to arrive inside the box and in the position he scored."
Mudryk got onto the end of a Pedro Neto cross before heading into the ground to score his first goal of the season.
Maresca continued to admit that Mudryk has struggled so far this season, and highlighted the 'slow' process compared to his team-mated.
"He (Mudryk) struggled to arrive there but now he arrives there (in the right position). Not only for him but for Pedro (Neto), Jadon (Sancho) and Noni (Madueke).
"The learning process is more slow compared to the rest but he is improving."
As Chelsea face Newcastle this weekend, Mudryk will be hoping to build on his positive performance in the Conference League if handed the opportunity from the start at Stamford Bridge.
