Three Everton players were knocked out of World Cup qualifying on Thursday as Vitalii Mykolenko suffered defeat against Sweden with Ukraine, while Jake O’Brien and Seamus Coleman failed to help Ireland overcome the Czech Republic.
The Irish duo lost on penalties after a 2-2 draw over 120 minutes, a painful result having led 2-0 after 23 minutes.
With regard to Ukraine, it was a more comprehensive loss. Sweden went ahead after six minutes and never looked back as Viktor Gyokeres fired his nation to a 3-1 win, netting all three goals.
After the result, Ukrainian news outlet Football.UA criticised Vitalii Mykolenko – accusing the Everton No.16 of being wasteful in possession.
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Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Burnley and Everton
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Vitalii Mykolenko told he must improve his end product after Sweden 3-1 Ukraine
Football.UA gave Mykolenko a 3/10 for his display in the crucial World Cup qualifier. There was some praise for his ‘brave’ approach on the ball, always looking forward to make things happen.
However, the left-back was told he has “problems” when it comes to picking out his teammates.
Football.UA wrote: “In general, Mykolenko showed himself brave in advancing the ball, as it should be, but it is one thing to advance the ball forward, and another to deliver it to partners. Vitaliy had problems with the latter.”
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The 26-year-old is not particularly known for his ability in the final third.
Mykolenko – who Roma are monitoring – only has one assist in 29 appearances for Everton this season, and no goals.
Across his 151 appearances for the Toffees, the man born in Cherkasy only has four goals and four assists.
So, his lack of attacking threat for Ukraine against Sweden will come as no surprise whatsoever to Everton fans.
Mykolenko now has a challenge on his hands back at Everton, with his future still up in the air. The defender sees his contract expire at the end of the season, and there has been no clear indication that the Toffees will extend his deal.
David Moyes even admitted he had yet to begin thinking about the situation recently, saying: “I’ve actually not put myself on to thinking about the people who are within the building. I’m actually beginning to start thinking about what we’re going to get from outside the building at the moment, what we might need to do. The truth is I’ve not got my head on it yet.”
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Jack Grealish in action for Everton
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Therefore, these final seven Premier League games of the season could well be decisive for Mykolenko’s future.
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