Vitaliy Mykolenko was in action for Ukraine in an eight-goal thriller against Iceland.
The Everton defender’s team ran out 5-3 winners in Reykjavik thanks to two late goals by the away side.
It was almost a disaster for Mykolenko, as his team let a two-goal lead slip after being 3-1 up. Everything ultimately worked out for the player, and it was an important three points for his World Cup hopes.
The Ukrainian player has often been a point of criticism for fans of the Toffees. During the summer, supporters were willing to sell Mykolenko.
Now, the media in his home nation appear to join in with the criticism after their player ratings have come in from their game against Iceland.
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Photo by HARALDUR GUDJONSSON/AFP via Getty Images
Vitaliy Mykolenko given mixed review for Iceland performance
Vitaliy Mykolenko was given quite a mixed review by the media.
The defender got himself an assist during the game, and his decision-making for the goal was credited.
Ukrainian outlet Football.ua said, “The assist early in the match was a display of top-class skill from the full-back. In that moment, everything was executed perfectly by Mykolenko — from the decision to make a solo run past three opponents to his excellent awareness inside the opposing penalty area.”
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Despite the high praise for that moment of individual quality, the review turned negative soon after. He was criticised for the defensive side of his game.
The article continues to say, “However, when it came to defensive duties, Vitaliy didn’t always manage to contain Iceland’s dangerous wide players. In the end, one of the goals did come through his area of responsibility. The problems clearly increased after the opponents switched to playing with three central defenders.”
In the end, the Everton man was given a 5.5/10 rating in the 5-3 win.
Elsewhere on international duty, Iliman Ndiaye was rated for his performance in a new role for Senegal.
Vitaliy Mykolenko rating for Ukraine feels harsh
It was by no means a perfect performance from Mykolenko, but the 5.5 rating does feel harsh.
The Everton defender was poor at progressing the ball – highlighted by his passing accuracy – but his ball-carrying and defensive work were spot on throughout most of the match.
90 minutes played
63 touches
19/31 passes (61%)
2 chances created (1 big chance)
3/3 successful dribbles
1/2 tackles won
7/9 ground duels won (78%)
2/3 aerial duels won (67%)
Of course, in football, no matter how well you perform for 99 per cent of a game, people will always remember the one per cent moment where you make a mistake or do something incredible.
That seems to be the same here, and the moment when one of Iceland’s goals came down his side has affected his rating quite a bit.