Vitalii Mykolenko was in the thick of the action as Everton drew 0-0 with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday
Vitalii Mykolenko (Sky Sports)
Vitalii Mykolenko (Sky Sports)
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Vitalii Mykolenko insists the current Everton squad is the best he's ever been a part of despite the transfer window drama surrounding the Blues.
Ukrainian left-back Mykolenko impressed as Everton played out a goalless draw with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, extending the hosts' goalless start to the season.
Everton were missing both Merlin Rohl and Christian Norgaard in North London, with the rest of the squad stretched to its limit following a disappointing transfer window which featured the exits of Iliman Ndiaye, Beto, Tim Iroebugnam, Dwight McNeil and Nathan Patterson.
But despite their limited numbers, Mykolenko - who signed for the Blues in January 2022 and has made 164 appearances for the club - is adamant they can mount another push for Europe this season.
“This group is so good," Mykolenko told Sky Sports as he was interviewed alongside Jarrad Branthwaite when being presented with the Player of the Match award at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
"A few weeks ago, I said in an interview, this is probably the best group ever I've seen in Everton since I came, so I'm happy to play with them and also I'm happy to see Jarrad back this season and I enjoy to play with him.
"He's supporting always, he's always at the back and I know he will tackle at the back if I lose the ball or lose my winger. So thank you so much for that.
“Hopefully we’ll get into Europe this season. With this small group, it’s hard, but our target is Europe.”
Centre-back Branthwaite also praised Mykolenko, saying: “He was very, very good today.
"The wingers at Spurs are very tricky, one versus one, and Myko dealt with whoever came on his side all game. The quality he has defensively, and going forward as well, is massive for us as a team, and I think you’ve seen that today."