In Focus: Mudryk goal hints at talent that can beat the Blues

Mykhailo Mudryk is starting to show the quality which persuaded Chelsea to pay £89million for him. 

The winger scored a great goal in the Blues' 4-3 win over Brighton last Sunday and generally showed enough to suggest that he can be a major asset next season. 

Ahead of Chelsea's Premier League Summer Series clash against Newcastle tonight, we take a look at the progress being made by the Ukraine international.

First goal

Mudryk gave a tantalising taste of what he is capable of with his cameo against the Seagulls.

He was introduced at half-time by Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino and scored the third of a seven-goal thriller. 

Receiving the ball wide on the left, Mudryk cut inside into a central position — twice combining with summer arrival Nicolas Jackson — before unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the area. 

It was the first goal that Chelsea fans have seen from the 22-year-old and it was not the young talent's only impressive moment.

Mudryk's blistering pace was clear to see, particularly when he accelerated from a standing start. 

He also looked physically stronger and it all points to Chelsea having a very different player within their ranks than they had last season.

Poch praise

Pochettino has a fine reputation for getting the best out of young players and the Argentine praised Mudryk after the win over Brighton.

The Chelsea boss said: "We spoke in the last few days and I have found a really good kid. 

"He is still young, with massive potential. The most important thing is that we need to earn the trust and confidence in us. 

"We are building the relationship with him and with different players." 

Pochettino's words highlight the nurturing environment that he and his staff bring to a club, which tends to provide fertile ground for the growth of young footballers. 

The rigorous fitness regime that the 51-year-old imposes can only be a positive for his 5ft 9in attacker. 

Another notable aspect of Pochettino's managerial style is the positivity and confidence that he seems able to instil.

That could be a valuable asset for Mudryk after he suffered a torrid first few months at Chelsea. 

You ain't seen nothing yet

Mudryk spoke about his goal against Brighton after failing to net in 17 appearances for Chelsea last season. 

He said: "I feel happy for all the work I put into this goal. It is not all my potential. 

"It is only 20%. I feel good because playing under Pochettino, our manager, it is nice, it is enjoyable and it is a new team which is also enjoyable."

If Mudryk's assessment is true and there is that much more to come from him, Chelsea have quite a player on their hands. 

It is worth remembering that when the No15 signed for the Blues in January, he had not played a competitive game for his former club Shakhtar Donetsk since November. 

Finding match fitness was always going to be a struggle, which was amplified by Chelsea's poor form and managerial changes. 

With a pre-season campaign and the trust of a new coach who plays to Mudryk's strengths, Stamford Bridge could witness the re-birth of a forward who is able to justify his £89m fee.