In Focus: Under-21s exploits are lifting Mudryk from his Blues

After a disappointing start to his Chelsea career, Mykhailo Mudryk is showing what he is capable of on Ukraine Under-21s duty.

The £88million winger made himself available for the European Under-21 Championship and has helped his country reach the semi-finals.

As they look to claim the scalp of Spain this evening, we look at whether the winger can use his youth exploits to kick-start his career at Stamford Bridge.

At the double

Already an 11-cap international at senior level, Mudryk has dropped down to the U-21s in the hope of rediscovering the form that made him one of Europe's hottest prospects while at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 22-year-old failed to score and provided just two assists in his 17 Chelsea appearances last term but made a telling contribution during Ukraine's 3-1 quarter-final victory over France.

Named in the starting XI against Les Bleuets, Mudryk's driving run from the left in the first half saw him win the penalty for Ukraine to level the game.

He was involved again moments later, playing a delightful lofted pass over the French defence to allow Heorhiy Sudakov to make it 2-1 — with clips of the assist going viral among Blues supporters.

A lively display was not limited to those two moments and will give the young star a much-needed boost after months of frustration.

Surviving the cull

Though his time in West London has been an undeniable disappointment thus far, Mudryk looks likely to be afforded further time to impress.

In efforts to raise cash and comply with financial fair play regulations, Chelsea have moved on the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount.

Their £88m acquisition looks to have survived the cull and will likely form part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans next term.

His decision to make himself available for his country's youth side has reportedly impressed the Argentine manager — but the forward will know more is required to become a fixture in his club's XI longer term.

Crossing the bridge

It is easy to see why Pochettino might view Mudryk as someone he can mould into a star.

The Blues No15 has skill and pace to burn, while 10 goals and 10 assists for Shakhtar prior to his move is proof of his ability to contribute in front of goal — albeit in a less established league.

Mudryk — like many of Chelsea's other stars — looked a player whose confidence was shot by the end of the campaign and that is perhaps the biggest area Pochettino must work on with his left winger.

Time is ticking

While time is on his side for now, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly's desperate desire for success means the club's patience with their big-money signing will only last so long.

The Blues beefing up their attack with Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson means competition for a place in the forward line will be as fierce as ever.

Goals and assists are the best way to make himself undroppable. 

Mudryk missed five big chances in 15 Premier League outings last term and the youngster must find a ruthless streak if he is to have any future at Stamford Bridge.

Another contribution against Spain tonight would see a confident Mudryk return to Cobham — which can only be a good thing for Pochettino in his maiden campaign.