2024/25 Vitalii Mykolenko

[Lanolin]

What a journey this lads been on. A few weeks ago I would have confidently declared him to be the worst fullback in the league, today I was made up that he was fit to play.

I mean to be fair I'd have still been made up he was fit to play a couple of weeks ago because he's literally the only left back we have so anything's better than nothing!

I'll be honest and say I haven't necessarily seen the huge improvement in him individually that some people apparently have. The team is playing better which obviously makes a difference and he's not been bad individually but I don't really see the 'totally different player' shouts just yet. Fingers crossed I'm changing my tune in future though.

 

[Marius57]

I mean to be fair I'd have still been made up he was fit to play a couple of weeks ago because he's literally the only left back we have so anything's better than nothing!

I'll be honest and say I haven't necessarily seen the huge improvement in him individually that some people apparently have. The team is playing better which obviously makes a difference and he's not been bad individually but I don't really see the 'totally different player' shouts just yet. Fingers crossed I'm changing my tune in future though.

While I appreciate he has some limitations, I’m a big fan of his and this he is a solid defender. He seems to bring some balance into the team and we look better defensively with him and it allows the winger a bit more freedom knowing he is there which is where the improvement comes from.

He also steps up against the better opposition, Saka, Salah etc and they tend to have quiet games against him. (I know Salah scored and assisted but he was mainly anonymous yesterday).

 

[HalfTimeSayers]

Will never say a bad word about him. He is what he is, and tries every week to do what he can do to the best of his capability.

Sleepless nights over our predicament too, when he’s a millionaire with plenty of other things on his mind on a daily basis. Forced my lad to have a Myko kit last year. Not arsed.

 

[bicycleheader]

Will never say a bad word about him. He is what he is, and tries every week to do what he can do to the best of his capability.

Sleepless nights over our predicament too, when he’s a millionaire with plenty of other things on his mind on a daily basis. Forced my lad to have a Myko kit last year. Not arsed.

Yeah same. Tries his best. Hopefully improves. If he can't he will move on.

He doesn't sign himself, offer himself whatever wage he is on nor does he pick himself.

He still reminds me a bit of the days of Hibbert/Neville playing at full back and not being able to play out through them at all

 

[heatmeiser]

I know right haha

Yeah, other than a goal and assist....

 

[heatmeiser]

It's been deleted now but I'm guessing it was him on his knees screaming and double fist pumping?

Saw that at the time and been looking for a shot of it. Loved it.

 

[Furey1878]

I mean to be fair I'd have still been made up he was fit to play a couple of weeks ago because he's literally the only left back we have so anything's better than nothing!

I'll be honest and say I haven't necessarily seen the huge improvement in him individually that some people apparently have. The team is playing better which obviously makes a difference and he's not been bad individually but I don't really see the 'totally different player' shouts just yet. Fingers crossed I'm changing my tune in future though.

I dunno mate. He looked absolutely hapless in the opposition half. I have always felt his 1v1 is decent enough but teams would always try and get us to shuffle the ball over to him because they know everything will break down.

Now, even though his crossing leaves a lot to be desired still, the positions he takes, and how he is using the ball is night and day for me.

 

[Eggs]

….thought he did ok last night and threw in the ‘up and under’ cross that led to the goal.

 

[hetion]

It's been deleted now but I'm guessing it was him on his knees screaming and double fist pumping?

Saw that at the time and been looking for a shot of it. Loved it.

Repost for you bud

 

[Exeter_Gently]

Repost for you bud

I've got a lot of time for him.

 

[LABlue2]

I've got a lot of time for him.

I think we as a fanbase have time for players who give their all and care, even if they're limited footballers... think that's a good thing BTW, character is important.

 

[Exeter_Gently]

I think we as a fanbase have time for players who give their all and care, even if they're limited footballers... think that's a good thing BTW, character is important.

100% mate.

 

[Benno]

I think we as a fanbase have time for players who give their all and care, even if they're limited footballers... think that's a good thing BTW, character is important.

He’s got most of there attributes to be a really good full back. His 1on1 defending v Salah has been exceptional.

He should spend some extra time at the ground on his crossing and if he does will be a very good player. He’s far better positionally already under Moyes.

 

[maccavennie]

I love this kid. He's a poor man's Tony Hibbert, but he gets it. A couple minutes before this he put a cross in way too deep for a goal kick and he looked like he'd found out his parents had died. Keep it at Vitalii.

That is just 100% pure class

 

[Pittsburgh Footy]

Gotta be impossible for the lad to follow Baines and then Digne, two legitmate left backs going forward

Myko is what he is. A solid defender, gives his all on the pitch.

Of the numerous problems with our club and this squad, he's not near the top of the list, for me. And he cares. Something that can't be said for a lot of the guys we've had around here post-Martinez.

Sure, if we want to get into Europe, we will likely need to add a more dynamic left back, but we aren't yet close to dreaming of that