On Saturday, Mykhailo Mudryk was finally back in competitive football for the first time in 646 days – but the comeback was far from the dream triumph he had hoped for. “And Tottenham, they still have yet to score goals.
The Ukrainian came on for Tottenham in the 74th minute away to Nottingham Forest, replacing Mathys Tel. But the game ended goalless – 0-0 – and the visitors delivered one of their weakest attacking performances in a long time.
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In fact, Tottenham did not manage a single shot on goal, Despite the substitutions of summer signings Omar Marmoush, Savio and Sandro Tonali, the team completely lacked creativity and threat going forward.
Four touches and 2.4 kilometers
For Mudryk, it was a tough night. According to FotMob, he only had four touches of the ball, completed one of two passes and covered 2.4 kilometers – numbers that speak volumes about how little he accomplished.
“He’s not ready yet,” Roberto De Zerbi admitted after the game.
“He works to get in the best possible physical shape. He needs time – and he needs work.
From doping ban to new start at Spurs
For Mudryk, the road back has been long. He hadn’t played a competitive match since Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Heidenheim in 2024 – a period marked by a doping case that was only resolved against the FA last month.
Now the 25-year-old hopes to revive his career under De Zerbi, a manager who has previously spoken very strongly about the Ukrainian’s potential.
Already in 2022, when Brighton were linked with a transfer for Mudryk, De Zerbi said:
“Mudryk is a fantastic player, but Brighton can’t afford him. I like him – just like I like all my former players.
He went even further:
“I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I know his value. He has the potential to make it all the way to the top.
“He’s very sensitive and needs love”
In an interview with La Repubblica, De Zerbi followed up:
“Mykhailo has the potential for a top career. In my opinion, he can win the Ballon d’Or. He is a player at the highest level – but he is also very sensitive.
The Italian added:
“He needs love. We’ll see if he can live up to his potential.
De Zerbi denies concern
Despite Tottenham failing to get a single shot on target, De Zerbi was not worried.
“No, we could just as easily have scored three or four goals today. If you make the wrong decision, you don’t score – but the chances were there,” he said.
For Mudryk, it’s now about getting game time, building confidence and finding his rhythm. With De Zerbi’s belief in him – and a Tottenham that desperately needs attacking impulse – the road ahead could still be brighter than this goalless afternoon at the City Ground.
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