De Zerbi says Mudryk can become a top player at Chelsea

Mudryk signed for Chelsea in the January transfer window for a fee of £88 million after an impressive season with Shakhtar Donetsk. The 22-year-old was acquired by the Blues despite fierce opposition from Arsenal.

The Ukrainian showed some promise during his introduction against Liverpool at the end of January, but he has subsequently had trouble fitting in at Stamford Bridge.

The new Chelsea winger has made 10 appearances in all competitions, starting five of them, although he has only recorded one assist and has yet to score for the team.

The Brighton boss has spoken about his relationship with Mudryk, who played for Shakhtar during the first half of this season and scored seven goals and contributed six assists in 12 games before joining Chelsea.

Ahead of their match against Chelsea, De Zerbi said, "Me and my staff have a special relationship [with Mudryk]. He is like a son.

"I hope he stays on the bench and doesn't play but I love him. We hope the best for him... from the next game.

"I think for Chelsea it has been a difficult season but they are still a big, big, big team. One season can happen like this. For any young player it is more difficult to adapt to another country and another style of football.

De Zerbi expressed his admiration for Mudryk by insisting that the winger has the potential to become a great player.

Still speaking, he said, "Chelsea have many big players and I think it is a normal situation for him, he has to adapt and to understand his life has changed but I think he is good, smart guy. He can become a top, top player."

On Saturday, Mudryk will be vying for a starting spot for Frank Lampard's Chelsea team as the Blues attempt to narrow the seven-point gap that currently separates them from Brighton in the seventh-place spot in the Premier League standings.

Meanwhile, Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has taken an understanding stance towards the PGMOL after they apologised to his club for the third this season,