Everton’s marked improvement under Sean Dyche is no greater exemplified than through Vitaliy Mykolenko’s progression.
The Ukraine international, signed from Dynamo Kyiv as one of Rafael Benitez’s final acts as manager before being dismissed, was often marred by this link to one of the worst managers in the club’s history.
At first, many were justifiably furious with how Lucas Digne had been forced out, only to be replaced by this unknown left-back who could not cross, run with the ball or seemingly defend at first.
But that has all changed under Dyche, and now the full-back is an intelligent and rock-solid asset who seldom lets the Toffees down.
Martin Keown delivers Vitaliy Mykolenko verdict
And yet, despite this clear development, Martin Keown still sought to aim an underhanded dig at the 25-year-old whilst speaking on the BBC’s coverage of Ukraine vs Belgium last night.
The former Everton and Arsenal defender, who has been critical of many of the Toffees’ players in the past, sought to scrutinise what Mykolenko had been doing for his national team that he had not for his club.
In questionable fashion, he claimed: ‘He’s certainly played with more aggression than I’ve seen him playing for Everton this season.’
How one would measure such a characteristic is questionable enough alone, but the fact it isn’t really true makes it an absolutely ludicrous statement.
Fortunately, Wayne Rooney praised Mykolenko that same night, for his performances for both club and country.
Vitaliy Mykolenko is a warrior for Everton
It’s bad enough that Keown felt the need to try and undercut Mykolenko’s performances for Everton with this notion, but to make it such an uninformed and false claim only makes things worse.
It is worth noting that the only reason the £20m defender missed the opening two games of the European Championships was because of an injury he suffered in the Merseyside derby, playing for Everton, where he damaged his ankle ligaments late in the first half yet still continued until half time.
Never one to shirk his responsibilities, he is tough in the tackle and always willing to put his body on the line.
Whilst that was evident for Ukraine last night, it is something that Evertonians have simply become accustomed to, such is his defensive excellence and determination.
For Keown to suggest that he lacks such aggression for Everton showcases how little he has watched the defender in the last few years, clearly blind to the great strides he has made both physically, mentally and technically.
He gives his all for Everton, and should not be accused of the opposite.
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