Jordan Pickford has raved about Everton teammate Vitaliy Mykolenko after the Ukraine star scored his first Toffees goal on Sunday afternoon – during a 2-1 win over Leicester. His volley gave Everton the lead at the King Power.
Mykolenko, 22, joined Everton in January from Dynamo Kiev – having already clocked up 27 goal involvements in 132 games for his boyhood club. Despite his tender age, he also has 21 caps for his country to his name.
Costing £17million (Sun), Mykolenko initially struggled – and has also had to deal with the disaster of his home country being the stage of war and an invasion from Russia. But of late, his form is beginning to improve.
His best moment in a Blues shirt came on Sunday, when he blasted home an Anthony Gordon cross on the volley – giving Kasper Schmeichel little chance. Pickford raved about the new signing, and his attitude off the pitch.
“He’s come in, learned English straight away, he’s a top lad and his attitude is top drawer. His dedication is second to none,” Pickford told BBC Live’s coverage of Everton’s superb 2-1 away win over Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Pickford on Mykolenko: Everton star coming good for Lampard
Everything is coming together for Everton and Lampard, just at the right time. The Toffees have taken 10 points from their last possible 15 and with a game in hand, they have climbed out of the relegation zone.
Mykolenko is one of numerous Everton players to have improved under the stewardship of Lampard. Other notable mentions include Pickford himself, Alex Iwobi and that of Gordon – who is dragging Everton out of the mire.
£17million for Mykolenko looked expensive given his early form after signing on in January. But since then, he is beginning to show Everton fans that they have a real player on their hands, for years to come.
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