Following a strong finish to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Chelsea have begun the current season in impressive form, to the delight of the Stamford Bridge faithful and punters supporting the Blues at the best betting websites.
Several factors have contributed to this solid start – notably the deadly counterattacking play and Nicolas Jackson’s improvement in front of goal. Another noteworthy element has been the influential introduction of a man who found himself in the shadows at Old Trafford.
Excellent Start to Loan Spell
Jadon Sancho’s arrival at Chelsea has brought an immediate spark, putting pressure on his teammates, particularly Mykhaylo Mudryk, whose struggles have been further highlighted by Sancho’s impressive start. Although Sancho hasn’t even completed a full 90 minutes on the pitch for Chelsea, his influence is already undeniable, with two assists in just two appearances.
In his debut start against West Ham, the 24-year-old delivered a sublime assist to set up Nicolas Jackson for the opening goal, just days after coming off the bench to help Christopher Nkunku net the winning goal against Bournemouth. With these two assists, Sancho has already matched Mudryk’s assist tally from last season — a concerning comparison for the Ukrainian winger.
£25m Bargain?
Mudryk, 23, who was signed for an eye-watering potential fee of £88 million, has struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge since arriving in January 2023. Despite making 18 Premier League starts last season and scoring five goals, his overall creativity has been lacking, with only two assists to his name throughout the campaign. On the other hand, Sancho, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United, has made an immediate impact and seems ready to cement his place in the starting lineup under Enzo Maresca.
Sancho’s loan deal includes an obligation to buy for around £25 million — a fraction of the price Chelsea paid for Mudryk. The contrast in value makes Sancho’s rapid adaptation even more impressive and a further indictment of Mudryk’s underwhelming 20-month spell in London.
All Round Contributor
The ripple effect of Sancho’s impressive performances also extends to the lingering questions surrounding his departure from Manchester United. After being exiled by Erik ten Hag, Sancho revived his form during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, helping the team reach the Champions League final. Although a permanent return to Germany never materialized, Chelsea quickly capitalized on the situation, benefiting from Sancho’s fresh determination and quality.
Sancho’s impact isn’t just in attack. His willingness to track back and contribute defensively has also impressed Maresca, who praised the winger’s work ethic on and off the pitch. This contrasts with Mudryk, who has struggled to adapt to the tactical demands of the Premier League, particularly defensively.
Mudryk Down the Pecking Order
With Joao Felix, Noni Madueke, and Pedro Neto competing for attacking roles, Mudryk could soon find himself sidelined if he fails to step up. Despite this, Mudryk will likely have opportunities to prove himself in upcoming fixtures, such as Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Barrow and their UEFA Conference League campaign. These matches could provide the 23-year-old with crucial minutes to rebuild his confidence and fight for his place in the team.
While Mudryk’s future at Chelsea is not under immediate threat, the January transfer window could bring renewed speculation about his role in Maresca’s squad. For now, it’s essential that he finds consistency and follows Sancho’s lead in taking advantage of his opportunities on the pitch.
Ultimately, Sancho’s brilliant start has raised the bar at Chelsea, leaving Mudryk with a clear challenge — to fight for his place and prove his worth. Whether he can do so remains to be seen, but what’s certain is that Sancho has reinvigorated Chelsea’s attack, and his presence could play a pivotal role in the club’s pursuit of success this season.
