What Mauricio Pochettino did to Mykhailo Mudryk after Chelsea substitution in Bournemouth draw

Mykhailo Mudryk

The Ukraine international has had no shortage of people hoping he would start a game for Chelsea, or at least to see Ben Chilwell not featuring on the left wing, and finally received his opportunity on Sunday against Bournemouth. The 22-year-old returned from the international break with a point to prove after a slow start to the season.

Ultimately, he produced a performance that has spawned yet more division in Chelsea observers. The volume of rain and heaviness of the ground perhaps diminished the potent acceleration Mudryk has been known for but he nevertheless helped provide among Chelsea's best opportunities.

He found Conor Gallagher in the Bournemouth box and helped earn the free kick from which Raheem Sterling hit the bar. The former Shakhtar Donetsk star even looked to combine well with Nicolas Jackson in some forward play.

However, those good moments were matched with struggles. Having been very involved, Mudryk's influence waned and having picked up a yellow card for a reckless slide tackle perhaps offered some risk to the side. The January signing has six moments of bad control during his hour on the pitch, a greater number than anyone else on the pitch.

It is little surprise some were aghast that Mauricio Pochettino replaced Mudryk early in the second period, while others thought it was a well-timed move. What became clear is that the winger can have an impact but he still needs to grow into the role. For the moment he still requires coaching by his teammates in his positioning, and the trade-off is something Pochettino will have to balance.

Confidence and momentum will be key, and as Mudryk left the pitch, Pochettino pulled him in close to share a word and prevented him from moving straight to the