Mykhailo Mudryk could be staring at Ipswich Town with fear – Opinion

admin | May 1, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Chelsea and Ipswich Town’s seasons could hardly have been more different.

The Blues are now in mid-table, urgently chasing a European spot for the following season. Meanwhile, the Tractor Boys have been outstanding and are on the verge of promotion to the Premier League, with a year’s worth of hard work coming down to a two-way shootout against Leeds United on Saturday.

Omari Hutchinson, a Chelsea loanee, has played a significant role in this Ipswich team and, at only 20 years old, appears to have a promising future.

Hutchinson stars at Ipswich

The start of his loan in East Anglia did not go as planned, with the teenager playing only a few minutes in the early stages of the season, but Hutchinson was keen to establish himself, and a huge goal against Southampton in mid-September sparked his season.

Brilliant performances have been strung out throughout the year, with two goals and an assist in a 6-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday being just one of many high points.

In addition, he has a proven track record of scoring critical goals, with late finishes against West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City, and Rotherham United providing crucial points in their run-in.

However, his recent double against Hull City was a performance to remember from the Cobham lad. Cutting inside onto his favored left foot either side of half-time, he produced two fantastic goals into the top and bottom corners, helping his team draw 3-3 at The MKM Stadium.

OH MY WORD

YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS

WHAT A STRIKE BY OMARI HUTCHINSON 🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/UbnREBgm5E

— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) April 27, 2024

His performance in crucial circumstances is something that many managers would admire, and with a return to Stamford Bridge on the horizon, he might be firmly in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans next season.

Chelsea’s wingers must be worried

While quality is evident throughout the Blues’ front line, players other than Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have struggled to produce goals and assists.

Inconsistencies in Mudryk and Sterling on the left side of midfield have resulted in only 16 Premier League goals combined. With Palmer’s form, the team is unduly reliant on the 21-year-old.

Despite playing the most of his games on Kieran McKenna’s right flank, Hutchinson has three goals in six appearances on the other wing. Pochettino may find the youthful loanee’s versatility to be the solution to his left-sided problems.

This season’s numbers back up his chances, with the academy graduate surpassing his projected goals by four (although in the Championship) and averaging more shot-creating actions than both of Chelsea’s left-wingers, according to FbRef.

Similarly, his dribbling is important, and averaging more successful dribbles per 90 minutes than Sterling is simply astounding. Furthermore, with an average comparable to Mudryk’s, Hutchinson’s poise in the final third is something the Ukrainian has yet to demonstrate in his English football game.

Pochettino should give Hutchinson a chance

It has certainly been a challenging season for Pochettino and his Chelsea team, but one thing they are now focusing on is developing young players. Head of youth development Neil Bath must be pleased with Hutchinson’s progress and hope that he can make an impact on the first team next season.

With Sterling’s future uncertain, the Blues should give Hutchinson a chance to impress if they do not sign a new left-sided player.

Mudryk has yet to persuade and may be concerned about the youngster’s form at Ipswich.