Vitaliy Mykolenko
EVE
Left Back
Possession Builder
May 29, 1999 (27)
Left
5'11"
157 lb
Subbed off injured Saturday
Mykolenko was forced off with an apparent injury in the 74th minute of Saturday's Premier League match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Mykolenko was forced off with an apparent injury in the 74th minute against Arsenal and will be assessed, with more clarity expected in the coming days. The left-back has started seven of Everton's eight Premier League matches this season, missing only the trip to Hull after a leg problem on international duty. He is Everton's only senior specialist at left-back, so Everton will hope he is available.
Creates two chances in defeat
Mykolenko had two crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-0 loss against Chelsea.
Analysis: Mykolenko was one of Everton's most productive players up front as he provided a useful attacking outlet from left-back. The Ukrainian defender created two chances and made one accurate cross. He also had the most touches of any player in the game (81), with three of them in the opposition box. Furthermore, the left-back made one successful tackle and two clearances. Nevertheless, despite his efforts, the Toffees failed to find the back of the net against Chelsea.
Finds starting role
Mykolenko (knock) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Chelsea.
Analysis: Mykolenko reclaims his starting role after a knock sustained while representing Ukraine against Hungary forced him to miss Sunday's draw against Hull City. The left-back returned early from international duty and has improved sufficiently over the past week to start against Chelsea. His return restores a regular presence on the left side of Everton's defense and could reduce Michael Keane's involvement after he helped cover his absence.
Could return against Chelsea
Mykolenko (knock) has made significant progress in his recovery and could be available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea, according to coach David Moyes. "Myko's doing much better. Myko's got a chance for the game."
Analysis: Mykolenko is nearing a return after missing Sunday's draw against Hull City due to a knock sustained while representing Ukraine against Hungary during the international break. The left-back returned early from international duty but was unable to recover in time for the Hull matchup, forcing manager Moyes to adjust his defensive lineup and deploy Michael Keane in his absence. However, the defender's condition has improved considerably over the past week, giving him a realistic chance of returning against Chelsea. Mykolenko has been a regular presence on the left side of Everton's defense this season, and his potential return would provide Moyes with a boost ahead of Saturday's contest.
Ruled out against Hull City
Mykolenko (knock) is absent from Everton's squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Hull City after failing to recover from an injury sustained during international duty with Ukraine.
Analysis: Mykolenko will miss Sunday's encounter after failing to recover in time from the knock he sustained during Ukraine's win over Hungary. The left-back had returned early from international duty and was considered questionable heading into the match, but the additional recovery time proved insufficient. Michael Keane replaces him in Everton's starting defense, while Mykolenko will aim to recover ahead of the next league fixture. His absence interrupts his regular involvement on the left side of Everton's backline.
Late test against Hull City
Mykolenko (knock) remains questionable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Hull City after returning early from international duty with Ukraine, according to coach David Moyes. "He's got a chance for Sunday. The extra day might help."
Analysis: Mykolenko picked up a knock during Ukraine's win over Hungary before missing the subsequent draw against Georgia and withdrawing from the national team camp. Coach Moyes' latest comments suggest the left-back has a realistic chance of recovering in time for Sunday's trip to Hull City, although his availability remains uncertain. The additional day of recovery could prove important, with a late fitness assessment likely to determine whether he can feature. If cleared, Mykolenko should be in contention to retain his regular starting role on the left side of Everton's defense.
Leaves Ukraine camp with injury
Mykolenko left the Ukrainian national team camp with an undisclosed injury, according to UNN.ua.
Analysis: "[Vitaliy] Mykolenko has left the national team's camp. Due to an injury, the Everton defender will not help the blue-and-yellows in the upcoming matches," an FA statement acknowledged. This comes after the defender picked up a knock in the win over Hungary and later missed the draw against Georgia. Further tests will be needed to determine the full extent of the injury, but he should be considered a question mark for Everton's next match against Hull City on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Keeps clean sheet Saturday
Mykolenko registered two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Mykolenko kept his second clean sheet of the season Saturday, helping keep the Spurs attack to just two shots on target. He won a season-high seven tackles on the defensive end, also recording three interceptions and one clearance. He created one chance on the attack as well, his second through four matches this season.
Six clearances in draw
Mykolenko recorded three crosses (zero accurate) and one tackle in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Mykolenko played the full 90 minutes at left-back in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth, registering three crosses, none of which were accurate, while adding one interception. He held his ground on the left side of Everton's back line throughout a match in which Rayan's attacking width consistently put his flank under pressure. Mykolenko also chipped in with six clearances and four blocks, helping the Toffees grind out a point and move to four points through their opening two matches of the season.
Provides defensive solidity
Mykolenko generated four clearances in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Mykolenko registered one chance created and four clearances in Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, contributing to the defensive solidity that kept Crystal Palace's attack largely at bay while also offering his long-throw ability as an additional set-piece threat that Crystal Palace's backline had to account for throughout the match. The Ukrainian left-back's combination of defensive reliability and set-piece danger makes him an important dual-threat option in coach David Moyes' system.
Signs new contract with Everton
Mykolenko signed a three-year contract extension with Everton, committing his future to the club through June 2029, the club announced.
Analysis: Mykolenko joined from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2022 and has gone on to make 157 appearances as a regular in the Toffees' backline, establishing himself as one of the more reliable left-backs in the Premier League. The 27-year-old Ukraine international has consistently shown his defensive abilities against the top wingers in the division, while also contributing four goals during his time at the club, including a Goal of the Season volley in a crucial win at Leicester City in May 2022. The defender expressed ambition to push for European football with Everton under coach David Moyes, citing the freedom he has been given on the pitch as a key factor in his decision to extend his stay at the club.
Consistent starter for Everton
Mykolenko has started in all but one game he's been available for Everton in the current EPL campaign.
Analysis: The lone instance in which Mykolenko was an unused sub was the Feb. 23 loss to Manchester United, but other than that, he's been in the XI in every game he's been cleared to play. Don't expect that to change if the defender stays healthy, although he doesn't contribute much in the major fantasy categories. In 26 EPL starts, Mykolenko has one assist, no goals, nine shots and 18 chances created.
Records assist, own goal in win
Mykolenko assisted once to go with an own goal, four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 65th minute.
Analysis: Mykolenko had the misfortune of getting in the way of a ball that Jordan Pickford had saved in the first half, sending it into his own net, but the full-back made up for that action with a pass that allowed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to score in the 75th minute Saturday. Although it's not unusual for Mykolenko to push forward, the assist was only his first direct contribution to the score sheet in 22 club starts this season. He has tallied eight shots (two on goal), 15 crosses (five accurate), 19 clearances and six interceptions over his last five games in all competitions.
In starting squad
Mykolenko (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Mykolenko is in the starting squad for Saturday's clash against Fulham after recovering from the knock that kept him out last week and returning to training. The defender resumes his role at left-back after missing his first start since Sept. 13. He is still searching for his first goal contribution of the campaign after 20 appearances.
Option for Saturday
Mykolenko (undisclosed) is an option for Saturday's match against Fulham, according to manager David Moyes. "He is back training, so he's back and in the squad. He's fit and available."
Analysis: Mykolenko has suffered a knock last week that kept him out of play, but after training this week, the defender has been deemed fit again and an option for Saturday. The defender will likely return to his spot at left-back, as his last missed start ahead of their previous game was Sept. 13. That said, he is still in search of his first goal contribution this campaign, still without one in 20 appearances.
Suffers knock in training
Mykolenko (undisclosed) suffered a knock in the final training session ahead of Saturday's clash against Brighton and is ultimately ruled out for the game, coach David Moyes said to the media.
Analysis: Mykolenko won't be available to feature in Saturday's clash against the Seagulls after suffering a knock in the final training session ahead of the game and being unable to recover in time. The left-back will hope to return next week ahead of next Saturday's clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Jarrad Branthwaite is set to start at left-back on Saturday for the Toffees in place of Mykolenko.
Whips in four crosses
Mykolenko generated one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Monday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Mykolenko would have a decent two-way game despite not seeing a goal contribution or the clean sheet, with one shot, two chances created and four crosses in the attack to go along with one interception, two tackles and three clearances in the defense. The defender is still working towards his first goal contribution this season, with three goal contributions last season in 35 appearances, already appearing in 20 games this campaign.
One tackle in clean sheet
Mykolenko generated one cross (zero accurate) and one tackle in Tuesday's 2-0 win versus Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Mykolenko has not missed a game for Everton since mid-September and has played a central role in the club's defensive improvement. The Toffees have recorded six clean sheets in their last nine matches, with the fullback totaling 16 tackles in that span, including at least one in each of his last eight appearances, while adding eight interceptions and 46 clearances with a minimum of two in every game. Offensively, he created six chances, attempted one shot and delivered 23 crosses, with at least one in each game.
Four starts since the break
Mykolenko has gone the full 90 minutes in all four of Everton's matches since the October international break, reinforcing his status as an undisputed starter under coach David Moyes.
Analysis: Mykolenko has continued to remain a key figure for Everton this season, having played 540 minutes without rest in the Premier League. He has created three chances and provided two successful crosses in this time, limiting his overall attacking impact. The Everton defense has also kept only one clean sheet in the six Premier League games Mykolenko has participated in. Mykolenko should continue to play full matches going forward, but his lack of attacking and defensive success is concerning.
Three starts since return
Mykolenko (undisclosed) made three consecutive starts following his return from injury, confirming he is now fully fit for Everton.
Analysis: Mykolenko dealt with an injury earlier in the season that now seems behind him since the defender has started three straight games following his return, contributing 10 crosses, five interceptions, and 16 clearances in that span while helping the team secure a key win last time out against Crystal Palace.
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