Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk makes critic eat his words after being branded 'overrated'

provided a timely reminder of his talents on Friday after being brutally labelled the Premier League's 'most overrated' player.

Handed a start on international duty with Ukraine for a must-win Nations League clash with Georgia, the forward exhibited a rare glimpse of the potential that convinced Chelsea to sign him in January 2023.

He picked up the ball from deep from Georgiy Sudakov and beat three defenders before striking low into the corner from 20 yards out. It was a superb solo goal and one that highlighted just how damaging Mudryk can be at his best, in addition to being a matchwinner.

Alas, Chelsea fans haven't seen that level anywhere near enough.

Mudryk arrived from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee which could rise to £88million if certain conditions are met. One of the clauses included is linked to the Ballon d'Or, but that looks a far-fetched scenario at this stage.

The 23-year-old has struggled under the burden of expectation following his big-money move, scoring just seven goals in 66 appearances for the west London club, and is yet to find the net in eight outings this term.

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs claimed Mudryk has been the most overhyped signing in recent times, explaining how he has failed to deliver on the promise shown from his time in Ukraine.

"I think the most overrated or the biggest disappointment in terms of not living up to the hype, has to be Mykhaylo Mudryk," Stubbs told BestBettingSites.com.

"They snatched the player from under the noses of Arsenal, and his capture was presented as a real coup, a statement. He just hasn't looked anywhere near the player that we all hoped he could be in his time at the club.

"When I watched him playing in the Champions League for Shakhtar Donetsk, I thought that he looked like a world-beater. I was really excited to see what he was going to bring to the Premier League, but it hasn't happened for him. He has just flattered to deceive."

Stubbs is not the only one to give Mudryk a brutal reality check, with his boss Enzo Maresca bluntly telling Mudryk to simply improve rather than cite a lack of confidence behind his issues at Chelsea.

"I don't think it's a lack of confidence. Misha is Misha [Mudryk's nickname], you have to accept the way he is," Maresca said in September. "Hopefully he can get minutes and do better."

The Italian boss got the response he wanted, with Mudryk supplying an inch-perfect cross for Renato Veiga to head home the opener in the 4-2 win over Gent on his next start.

What's more, that contribution was part of an overall improved performance as he made intelligent runs on and off the ball - offering some hope that he could finally flourish after a difficult couple of seasons in the capital.

The trouble he now faces is dislodging Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke, who have established themselves as starters under Maresca in the Premier League and may not be dropped anytime soon.

But if Mudryk continues to prove his ability in a Chelsea shirt as well as Ukraine, he may make Stubbs regret his words and give his manager a reason to think twice about leaving him out.