Vitaliy Mykolenko of Everton looks on during the Aston Villa vs Everton Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham
Credit: Imago
Max Wilkins
Fri 17 April 2026 8:10, UK
Vitalii Mykolenko could cause more problems than good for Everton against Liverpool.
The Toffees are preparing to play host to their Merseyside rivals on Sunday in the first derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
After the recent struggles that Arne Slot’s side have faced, the Blues come into the clash hopeful of sealing all three points.
David Moyes’ men are firmly in the hunt for European qualification and need to maintain their recent progress if they are to achieve their goals.
Things may not be straightforward for Everton against Liverpool, especially if Mykolenko’s struggles continue in L3.
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Vitalii Mykolenko struggled vs Liverpool last time
The Ukraine international isn’t the most-loved figure on the blue side of Merseyside, as he is seen as an upgradeable area of the current squad.
That hasn’t stopped him from being a regular this season and throughout his career after joining the Toffees from Dynamo Kyiv.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2025/26 30 0 1
2024/25 37 1 3
2023/24 34 2 0
2022/23 36 0 0
2021/22 16 1 0
Vitalii Mykolenko Everton stats 2025-26
His showings are steady and have helped maintain a consistent backline under Moyes since his return.
That wasn’t truly the case in the last Merseyside derby as the 26-year-old was taken off early in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield.
He misplaced seven passes and had a zero per cent cross accuracy, despite swinging in four attempts.
Vitalii Mykolenko Everton stats vs Liverpool
That isn’t helped by a failure to complete any of his attempted dribbles, while also losing five duels and committing three fouls.
Mykolenko has recently been out injured for Everton, so a match-up against Mohamed Salah may represent a concern in L3.
Mohamed Salah can target Mykolenko vs Everton
The Egypt international may not have scored against the Blues last time, but he still has a stellar record in the derby.
In 14 appearances, he has scored eight and assisted three, while winning seven and drawing five, representing a true villain for Everton.
Mohamed Salah career record vs Everton
Credit: Imago
The 33-year-old also found the net with an excellent effort in his latest Premier League outing, so he will be keen to add to his six-goal tally for the season.
Considering he has already done well against Mykolenko this season, there have to be concerns over the Ukrainian in the upcoming clash.
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