Vitaliy Mykolenko names the ‘legend’ he wishes he could have played alongside at Everton

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Vitaliy Mykolenko has enjoyed an impressive season, starting 20 of Everton’s 25 league games to date.

The 24-year-old Ukranian has made the left-back spot his own and is probably one of the first names on the team sheet at present.

He is enjoying life under Sean Dyche, and the former Burnley boss knows how to get the best out of him.

Speaking on the Ukranian back in November, Dyche said: “Myko finished last season injured, which wasn’t ideal and got injured early this season, and it was an awkward spell of niggling injuries.

“He’s done very well, as soon as I got here I liked what I saw, I think there’s a lot of development in him.

“He defends very well, very high-level, modern-controlled aggression, he wants to defend but not silly stuff just the way he competes.

“I think that’s growing all the time, and he’s really improving, and I’ve really enjoyed watching his performances.”

Mykolenko names Everton ‘legend’ he wishes he played with

In a recent Q&A with Sky Sports, the left-back has revealed that he wishes he had played with Everton legend Leighton Baines.

“If I would pick Leighton Baines, I would not play; he would play ahead of me! We played in the same positions and he is a big legend, not just at Everton but in English football,” he said.

The Ukranian still has a fair way to get remotely close to Baines’ 420 Premier League appearances.

Baines is currently working within the academy setup, leading the under-18s’ side to fourth place in the Under-18s Premier League North last season.

“Definitely in a positive light. The players, the coaches, and the staff – we’ve all learned a lot from this year,” he told Everton’s official website back in May.

He added: “There’s been some positive experiences throughout. The idea is always that the players are developing and moving towards their aspirations. The important thing for us and them is individual improvement. It’s been good and they’re all making the right steps.”

Considering his leadership qualities, it’s no surprise to see the former left-back working within the academy.

There has been a significant increase in younger coaches given managerial opportunities further down the pyramid; Baines himself was touted for the vacant Plymouth Argyle job in December.

It would not be surprising to see the 39-year-old step into management in the not-to-distant future. Baines’ experience at Everton should stand him in good stead to make the jump up to a senior management position.