Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko has admitted he hates coming up against players like Iliman Ndiaye.
This comes at a time when Mykolenko is playing in the final months of his contract at Everton, with no new deal agreed yet.
The Ukraine international has already witnessed players like James Tarkowski and James Garner rewarded with new deals on Merseyside in recent months.
Everton have received interest in Mykolenko, who will now be considering where his future lies ahead of the summer.
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League
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Vitalii Mykolenko admits he hates playing against players like Iliman Ndiaye
Speaking on Everton’s YouTube channel, Mykolenko admitted how difficult he finds it coming up against tricky wingers like Ndiaye.
“When he started to play a bit more with me on our side, I just understood: play the ball to him and he can make everything. He can create; he can do anything with the ball,” said the left-back.
“He creates everything from just a few yards; he needs only a few yards. If you’ve seen his skills, it’s incredible. I don’t like to play against players like him.”
Although the sentiment of the message is to praise Ndiaye’s quality, it does not reflect that well on the Ukraine international.
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Mykolenko’s contract situation at Everton
Towards the latter stages of 2025, Everton News reported that Everton were open to keeping Mykolenko, but the Blues had other priorities when it came to new contracts.
Garner has finally been ticked off that list, with talks for Mykolenko potentially taking place ahead of the summer.
Moyes has demanded more from his full-backs, having seen the 26-year-old return just one assist this season.
Mykolenko’s attacking ability has to be questioned, which is why his admission to not relishing the opportunity to play against quality players like Ndiaye is not particularly a great look for him.
The left-back has recorded only the eighth-most tackles (32) this season of the Everton squad in the Premier League.
Jake O’Brien has registered an additional 16 (48) and even Ndiaye himself has 54 tackles to his name this season.
A lot has to be considered ahead of the summer, with Everton running out of time over their decision on Mykolenko.
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