Tottenham's new manager, Roberto De Zerbi, has brought Mykhailo Mudryk to the club on loan with an option to buy, a move that signals a significant gamble given the Ukrainian winger's struggles since his high-profile transfer to Chelsea. De Zerbi, who previously worked with Mudryk at Shakhtar Donetsk, once described the player as a future Ballon d'Or winner and is now tasked with reigniting his career.
Mudryk's move to Tottenham comes after a difficult period. His £89 million transfer to Chelsea in January 2023 was followed by a year-and-a-half ban for a doping violation, which ended this summer. He has not played since November 2024. De Zerbi's familiarity with Mudryk's talent, strengths, weaknesses, and personality is seen as a potential advantage in overcoming these challenges.
The reunion with De Zerbi offers a glimmer of hope for Mudryk, whose career has stalled since his prolific spell at Shakhtar. During his time under De Zerbi at Shakhtar, Mudryk was named player of the season in 2021-22 and his form led to the lucrative move to Chelsea. However, his transition to the Premier League has been hampered by inconsistency, managerial changes at Stamford Bridge, and the eventual doping ban. Despite flickering moments of potential, he failed to consistently deliver the impact expected, often being used as a late substitute whose pace could trouble tired defenses.
Mudryk's rehabilitation at Tottenham is not just about making up for lost time; it also requires him to reach a level of performance that eluded him before his ban. If he succeeds, it could indirectly benefit his former club, Chelsea. De Zerbi's decision to pursue Mudryk may reflect a degree of desperation, given Tottenham's current attacking predicament.
The club's attacking options are thin heading into the new season. Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Mohamed Kudus, key creative players, have all been hampered by injuries. Dominic Solanke has also had a season disrupted by fitness issues. New signings Savio and Omar Marmoush, arriving from Manchester City's bench, are hoped to recapture their previous form. Mathys Tel, a 21-year-old from Bayern Munich, remains a work in progress.
Tottenham's Premier League squad submission notably excluded Richarlison, who is reportedly seeking a move away. Richarlison was the team's top scorer last season, and his departure leaves the forward line dangerously short on recent game time. Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are also not yet fully fit after serious knee injuries.
The team's struggles extend beyond individual players. Tottenham is one of three Premier League teams yet to score in their opening two games. The team's attacking threat has been a concern since a shift towards caution and defensive security, leading to an over-reliance on set pieces. The departure of several key aerial players like Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Joao Palhinha, and Randal Kolo Muani has diminished this threat.
While the club has made defensive upgrades with experienced signings like Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, questions linger about their attacking output. The absence of European competition this season offers De Zerbi time to work on the training pitch, focusing on shape and finding the right formula without overloading players short on competitive experience. The success of Mudryk's revival at Tottenham hinges on De Zerbi's ability to unlock the potential he once recognized, a task that presents a significant challenge for the new manager.
