In April it was reported in Ukraine that Everton had advised Vitalii Mykolenko to have an operation, but the player decided against because he wanted to be fit for Euro 2024.
The 25-year-old left-back had picked up an ankle injury and there was a big chance he’d miss his Euros dream, but he wasn’t willing to let go of any glimmer of hope.
Able to get some minutes for Ukraine in June friendlies, he was named in the national squad for the tournament but hasn’t yet made an appearance.
Ukraine face Belgium on Wednesday, and there’s a chance the Everton player could finally get his minutes. If that’s the case, then spare a thought for Amadou Onana’s legs.
Asked about potentially facing his Toffees teammate, Mykolenko was lighthearted but also got to the point fairly straightforwardly.
Tribuna Ukraine quote him as saying: “We are not really good friends, but we are good teammates. If we both play in the Ukraine – Belgium match, then I will fight and hit him in the legs every time. In the match we will not be friends or teammates.”
The lighthearted bit is obviously key there!
Asked if Onana is a good player, Mykolenko said: “Certainly. Transfermarkt values him at €50m. This is a top player.”
A journalist then pointed out to the defender that Transfermarkt only values him at €28m, to which he said, again jovially: “Yes, there is a big difference.”
What Mykolenko needs to hope is that Onana doesn’t decide he wants to get the kicks in first.
