Everton star Vitalii Mykolenko arriving at a match, David Moyes looking baffled in inset.
Credit: Imago
Declan Carr
Mon 1 June 2026 16:10, UK
David Moyes may be able to use Everton ace Vitalii Mykolenko in a new position.
The Ukrainian star has typically been used in his preferred left-back position in his time on Merseyside so far.
However, he is also capable of playing centre-back, as seen in Ukraine’s 2-0 win over Poland on 30 June.
The Liverpool Echo reports that he played there in a back four in the victory for Andrea Maldera’s side in Wroclaw.
Everton could utilise him there if needed in the future, which will be a boost to Moyes, as it is a new defensive solution.
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Do Everton need Mykolenko at centre-back?
Everton have quite a bit of depth at centre-back, so it is unlikely that the 53-cap international will be needed there.
The Toffees have James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien, who are all naturals in the position.
Everton’s centre-back options Age
James Tarkowski 33
Michael Keane 33
Jake O’Brien 25
Jarrad Branthwaite 23
Everton’s current centre-back options
However, given the injury crises that they have had in recent years, it is never a bad idea to have an extra option in such a crucial part of the pitch.
Otherwise, they would have to rely on an academy talent, something which Moyes has been very reluctant to do.
Why Moyes will be concerned about more than Mykolenko’s position
Moyes’ primary concern about Mykolenko will not necessarily be his position; it will be his contract situation.
Despite reports that he was set to sign a new deal to keep him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until 2029, a contract has not been confirmed at the moment.
As of right now, his contract will expire this summer, leaving him free to secure a free transfer to a difficult club in the near future.
Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton reacts during the Premier League Summer Series match with Manchester United.
Credit: Imago
The Scotsman will hope that he puts pen to paper on new terms, to resolve any doubt about his future, then he can concern himself with any positional switches.
Right now, the planning will be without Mykolenko for the new season, and then it will only change when he commits to the Toffees, and his situation is not up in the air anymore.
If he remains in L3, then he may well be an option to play centre-back, but only in extreme conditions where the Blues are desperate for cover.
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