Roberto De Zerbi stands by Mykhailo Mudryk Ballon d'Or potential at Tottenham | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi has reaffirmed his view that Mykhailo Mudryk has Ballon d'Or potential as the winger links up with him at Tottenham. Mudryk has joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

"We spent a very particular season together in Shakhtar. Maybe my English is not so good, but I was very clear because I was speaking about the potential of the player," he told ESPN.

Mudryk’s deal carries a £75 million option to buy next summer should he impress. The 25-year-old previously flourished under De Zerbi at Shakhtar and was tipped for the Ballon d'Or during the coach’s Brighton spell, but he has since struggled at Chelsea, including a lengthy absence after a suspension.

"Until now, he has had many problems. And now his challenge is to respect all his qualities because he's a great player," he said. "He has to leave this season in a right way, not too [much] pressure, but it is the right moment for him to show [his ability]."

De Zerbi is unsure when the loanee will be ready to start a Premier League match, given his lack of recent action. Mudryk is ready for 15 to 30 minutes against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. If he finds form under his former mentor, Spurs may activate the clause, though the immediate goal is to rebuild his career.

Source: Goal.com

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