Everton’s season has been one plagued by excruciating and unprecedented lows, but more recently a slew of highs seldom seen in years at Goodison Park.
Even in their rough start, which saw them lose four and draw one of their opening five Premier League matches, there was clear progress being made, even if the results weren’t coming their way.
Chances were being forged, and Sean Dyche prayed for his fanbase to keep the faith.
Well, he is now reaping the rewards of that vote of confidence, with his side having enjoyed a blistering start to December.
Although many might rush to laud Abdoulaye Doucoure as the key figure for the Toffees thus far this campaign, and rightly so given he remains their top scorer, there is arguably another who has outperformed the Mali international.
After all, given how he had enjoyed a fine second half of last season, many expected him to maintain his form.
What people did not expect was for Vitaliy Mykolenko to evolve into one of the division’s finest full-backs, shutting out some top wingers whilst even chipping in with a few goals too.
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Having joined under Rafa Benitez, the left-back remained a sore reminder of a regime that has admittedly crippled the club.
His appointment was a gross oversight by Farhad Moshiri, the likes of which fans have become sadly accustomed to.
Entrusting him with that 2022 January window marked diabolical decision-making, especially as it allowed him to sell Lucas Digne and replace him with Mykolenko just before his sacking.
However, no thanks to Benitez, but Mykolenko is actually enjoying the form of his short career at the moment.
How good is Vitaliy Mykolenko playing for Everton?
In fact, when compared to other defenders in the Premier League, the Ukraine international’s 7.15 average rating is only bettered by 11 other defenders.
And then, within Everton’s squad, it is actually only James Tarkowski, Amadou Onana and Dwight McNeil who can surpass that figure.
His unorthodox ability to look so out of control, yet actually have attacker where he wants them, is both perplexing and brilliant to watch. As such, his defensive figures are immaculate, with the £58k-per-week defender averaging 3.6 tackles, three clearances and 6.1 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.
The former statistic is again only bettered by Joao Palhinha, a midfielder, in the entire division.
Given where Mykolenko has come from, as a full-back once scared of the ball who was regularly bypassed by his opposite man, is crazy.
Everton fans will patiently await the second half of this season, not only to see where they might finish despite their ten-point deduction, but also to see if their steely full-back can maintain this form until May.
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