Vitaliy Mykolenko has featured regularly for Everton this season as he’s currently the only recognised left-back at Goodison Park.
The Ukraine international played over 2,000 minutes from 23 games for the Toffees so far. Ashley Young, 39, who has mainly operated as a right-back, is the only cover for the left side of the defence.
Mykolenko has been subjected to criticism from a section of Everton supporters for his performances.
Former Shakhtar Donetsk defender Yuriy Benyo, who also worked as assistant manager at the club, has also criticised the 25-year-old. Dynamo.Kiev.ua have relayed his comments.
The fullback joined the Toffees from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2022 and played 108 games for them so far. He struggled with multiple injuries since arriving at the Merseyside club.
Mykolenko has played under Rafael Benítez, Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and David Moyes at Everton.
Benyo is of the belief multiple injuries and managerial changes has impacted his form at the Premier League club. The 50-year-old Ukranian insists his compatriot can still regain his best form.
“As for Mykolenko, he started much better than he is playing now, injuries and frequent changes of coaches play a role in this,” he said.
“Now he does not look very convincing, to be honest. When Vitaly arrives at the national team, you don’t feel confident in his actions. We know that he can do much better.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Mykolenko can still be a starter if Everton were to sign a new left-back in the summer.
