2023/24 Vitalii Mykolenko

[banno]

Made up for this lad. Hoped he'd make it but doubted it after his first season. Biggest improvement in a player of ours i've seen for years. Could keep our historical prowess at left back alive after all.

This sometimes not always happens when given time to grow rather than be discarded after a couple of games

 

[steven]

A debate there that he’s the most improved player I’ve seen in a long while.

He looked a colossus today - tough tight and physical as hell at times, showing how much he has grown. Great to see.

 

[Dixie1sixty]

Hes looked decent defensively since he signed, just needed to add a bit of polish for the masses to like him.

He has but think he's got new levels of defensive prowess this season.

He's pocketed pretty much every winger he's come up against.

 

[Baggzio]

Certainly proves me wrong week after week. Given his story and the context of everything that's happened since he's come to Everton you can't help be feel delighted for the lad becoming a great PL level player.

 

[blueblood]

I thought we needed to sign a new left back in the summer. Very pleased he’s proved me wrong. Solid defensively and getting forward more effectively as well.

 

[IrishBlue2022]

The good form is now starting to look like he has progressed as a player. Much, much better and seems he can be relied on now.

 

[Sheedy's right peg]

I'm quite old and I still remember the "you'll never beat Des Walker" chant.

His name is far too long to copy that rhyme, but i think a similar song is needed.

He's become a beast of a defender.

The difference between my confidence in our left and right back couldn't be greater.

 

[Smurph]

It looks like the improvement has stuck. I suspect playing next to Branthwaite makes a difference too. Way stronger up the field too, but I think that's because there has been some recognition his crossing isn't the best and he's playing narrower in the final third and adding a body edge of/in the box. Credit to him and Dyche for making it work.

 

[Furey1878]

Attacking limitations aside, I think he is a terrific defender.

 

[Tel001]

You’re correct I’m not. But do you remember when people thought he was correctly behind lescott in the pecking order for a full back position?

Tbf we were doing well defensively and lescott scored 11 goals that season from left back…

I do love baines though, he was my favourite player when he was here

 

[JLW]

Attacking limitations aside, I think he is a terrific defender.

Agreed. Not many wingers get the better of him.

Seems to be more confident on the ball more also.

 

[bilyaletdinov_]

the little trifecta of:

Onana
Mykolenko Branthwaite

on the left hand side is really, really promising!

 

[johnjoeefc]

Definitely improved this season. One of the first names on the teamsheet. Defensively more solid and attacking more effective. Really couldn't ask for more from what he's offering this season

 

[Toffeelover]

Against the toons will have to watch for Tripper.

 

[Bayboy]

Brilliant, again. Just goes to show we sometimes have to be patient.