FOR a modern-day professional footballer, standing at 5ft9, Mykhailo Mudryk is strikingly small in stature and physique.
His demeanour rarely exudes a self-confidence or a sporting arrogance one would expect from someone who cost Chelsea £88m six months ago.
His face is boyish and unblemished. His voice is soft and thoughtful.
And to top it all off, his first interaction with the English media – in the bowels of Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field Stadium – lasted around 90 seconds.
Yet within that brief exchange are the most delicate of signs that this 22-year-old is no shrinking violet. He is assured, blunt and punchy, combined with an admirable calmness.