wicked.football

Former Ukraine coach Myron Markevych disagrees that Everton target Vitaliy Mykolenko is not ready for the Premier League, suggesting the fans will love him.

Mykolenko, 22, appears on the verge of joining the Toffees – possibly as a replacement for Lucas Digne. Digne, 28, has been a star for the Blues over three seasons but a falling out with Rafa Benitez may end his time at the club. Pundits have urged the Spaniard to heal his rift for the good of the Merseyside outfit.

But Dynamo Kiev manager Mircea Lucescu confirmed the youngster is on his way earlier this week. However, former Dynamo coach Yozhef Sabo cast doubt on the left-back’s credentials on Friday.

“In my opinion, it is too early for Vitaliy to play in the English championship,” he said. Per Sport Witness. “He plays well on attack, connects and assists. But this is in the UPL.

“The PL is a completely different league, another championship, and there is no way to compare it with the UPL, of course.

“We have not seen it in the Champions League. His opponents did not allow him to prove himself.”

Markevych has now weighed into the argument. And the 70-year-old has taken the opposite view, suggesting he is more than up to the task.

“By his dedication, his desire to improve, Vitaliy Mykolenko deserved such a challenge in his career,” he told Meta Ratings (via Sport Witness). “It’s really a real challenge for the 22-year-old, who has proven with his quality play recently at all levels that he is ready to test his capabilities in the world’s strongest soccer league.

“I had to read the statements of some experts that it’s too early for Mykolenko to go to England. I do not think so, on the contrary, Vitaliy urgently need to bid farewell to the UPL championship.”

Everton faithful will take to Mykolenko

It has been a tough campaign to date for the blue half of the city. Benitez was never a popular choice to take over from Carlo Ancelotti.

And a run of one win from 11 top-flight games has done nothing to appease the supporters. The former Liverpool coach looks to be doing something about it with the acquisition of Mykolenko.

And Markevych has no worries that the defender’s attitude will soon win over the fans.

“At one time, when heading Metalist, we had to play in the European Cup with Everton, and we had the opportunity to see the popularity of the club in Liverpool, what demanding fans it has,” he added.

“I have no doubt that thanks to his desire to play through thick and thin, Mykolenko will gain credibility with the local fans and do his best to get Everton out of the relegation zone.”

READ MORE: International winger tipped for Prem move with Everton battling West Ham

The post Benitez target tipped to be Everton star as coach reveals perfect Prem traits appeared first on TEAMtalk.