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Why Everton will be pleased as Ukrainian media react to 'reliable' Vitalii Mykolenko
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- Why Everton will be pleased as Ukrainian media react to 'reliable' Vitalii Mykolenko
Everton 's Vitaliy Mykolenko has started the international break strongly with Ukraine.
The left-back has a crucial role for the Toffees yet again this season, with no natural cover behind him.
Adam Aznou was loaned out to Malaga before the summer transfer deadline, but he has yet to play a minute for the Spanish outfit.
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David Moyes trusts Mykolenko, whose attacking duties have been alleviated after the arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles to fill the right-back spot.
The Blues know that their two full-backs are crucial to the success of their season, and both need to stay fit if the club is to qualify for Europe.
Mykolenko featured for Ukraine in their UEFA Nations League opener against Hungary on Friday, helping his nation to a 1-0 win.
How Ukrainian media reacted to Vitalii Mykolenko's display
Mykolenko played the full 90 minutes for Ukraine in their 1-0 win over Hungary, and managed to add another clean sheet to his tally this season.
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The 27-year-old picked up a 7.4 FotMob rating for his display, making the most defensive contributions in the match with 16.
It appears that the Swedish media reacted positively to his performance, with solid reviews coming in regarding his defensive display.
UA handed him a strong 8/10 rating and wrote: "A reliable match on the left flank of defence. He had to work hard without the ball, because after the break it was Hungary that determined the pace of the match.
"In attack, his contribution was minimal, but in a match of this type, reliability was first of all required from the left-back, and it was he who provided it."
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Suspilne Media gave the defender a 7.5 rating, writing: "Mykolenko did not experience any problems.
"Perhaps, Mykolenko's connections were less noticeable due to the specifics of the game, but in terms of building the game of the Ukrainian national team in attack, the role of the defender was no less significant than that of [Mykola] Matvienko."
Finally, Mecze 24 gave him another strong rating with a 7/10 score.
Moyes has consistently backed the left-back despite mixed reactions to his performances for the Toffees, and he will be pleased to learn of the player's strong performance while away from Merseyside.
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That said, he has had strong performances this season for the Blues.
But what is Everton's plan if Mykolenko were to get injured?
Vitalii Mykolenko makes Tottenham admission and shares Everton fitness update Who Everton feel can cover in event of Mykolenko injury
Many Everton fans were understandably frustrated that the club were left with only one senior right-back and left-back option after the window slammed shut.
Alan Myers was outside of Finch Farm on deadline day to update Evertonians on the frantic eleventh-hour deals that were taking place in L3.
A move for Folarin Balogun fell through, while Sky Sports asked Myers if there was a change in stance on Jake O'Brien, who had been made available for transfer.
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The reporter claimed O'Brien would most likely be staying at the club, which he did, but also that he could possibly be used as a left-back option if needed.
The Toffees may move for a new left-back in the winter window, as they could also assess Aznou's current loan situation.
Right now, they need Mykolenko at his best.
