 William Gallas is confident Mykhailo Mudryk can put his early Chelsea struggles behind him and believes the rapid winger will emerge as his side's key player this season. Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy Much was expected from the Ukraine international upon his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk in January after Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal to the signing of the 22-year-old. Mudryk, however, was only able to show fleeting glimpses of the potential that convinced the Blues to pay £88.5million for his services as he struggled to cement a place under both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard. The appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, however, appears to have had a galvanising effect on Mudryk who has enjoyed an encouraging pre-season campaign. Gallas initially feared Mudryk would need another six months to get up to speed but after playing alongside him in last weekend's Game4Ukraine at Stamford Bridge, the former Chelsea defender is predicting big things. Mykhailo Mudryk has enjoyed an encouragingpre-season for Chelsea (Picture: Getty) He told Gambling Zone: 'I saw Mudryk up close when I was playing in the Game4Ukraine on Saturday. 'To be honest, even though I said that he needed a year to adapt to the demands of the Premier League after he joined the club, I saw his pre-season games and I saw him up close: he looks good. 'He is really quick. He only played in the Game4Ukraine for ten minutes, but he was very sharp. 'To see someone on TV is completely different to seeing someone on the pitch and I think he will have a great season. I think he will make the difference for Chelsea this season. 'He is the type of player that thrives off confidence. Obviously, things were difficult for him last season. I think this year you will see a different Mudryk. 'It looks like he needs to be one of the main players – he n){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
William Gallas is confident Mykhailo Mudryk can put his early Chelsea struggles behind him and believes the rapid winger will emerge as his side’s key player this season.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
Much was expected from the Ukraine international upon his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk in January after Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal to the signing of the 22-year-old.
Mudryk, however, was only able to show fleeting glimpses of the potential that convinced the Blues to pay £88.5million for his services as he struggled to cement a place under both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.