Everton: Vitaliy Mykolenko reveals reason behind Aston Villa omission

Everton were actively scouting a new left back after Lucas Digne and then manager Rafa Benitez had an argument, resulting in Digne being frozen out of the team. The Toffees identified Vitaliy Mykolenko as his replacement and also put Digne on the transfer list.

Mykolenko joined Everton from Dynamo Kyiv for a fee in the region of €21 million, becoming the first Ukrainian player after Andriy Yaramlenko to sign for a Premier League team. With the arrival of Mykolenko, it was all but certain that Digne would be sold in the winter transfer window.

Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus were linked to the Frenchman but in the end Aston Villa was the side that won the race. Digne moved to Villa for £25 million. At Everton, Mykolenko made his Premier League debut against Norwich City, playing the entire game in the 2-1 loss.

The game proved to be Benitez’s last game in charge as the Spaniard was sacked owing to the miserable form of the team that saw them drop to 16th place, just four points above the relegation zone.

Vitaliy Mykolenko confirms the reason behind Aston Villa omission

Duncan Ferguson was announced as the caretaker manager for the upcoming game against Aston Villa. However, Mykolenko was absent from the match day squad, posing questions as Ben Godfrey deputized at left back. Everton lost the game and fans were still left puzzled as to why Ferguson didn’t include the Ukrainian in the match day squad.

According to Zorya Londonsk, Mykoelnko has confirmed the reason behind him missing the Villa game. The 22 year old spoke to Ukrainian journalist Vlada Sedan who also happens to be the wife of Manchester City player Oleksandr Zinchenko.

"I missed a few training sessions in the week leading up to the game after having some discomfort in my back following the Norwich defeat. Wasn’t sure if I would make the squad as a result. (Mykolenko on Sedan’s Youtube Channel)"

With Frank Lampard arriving at the helm, young players like Mykolenko will have a lot to learn and given that he is the only traditional let back in the squad, Mykolenko will have a big responsibility on his shoulders.

The 22 year old is a hardworking full back with an aggressive attacking mindset. He is an athletic left back, having the stamina to that of a marathon runner. Mykolenko is quick and makes effective recovery runs. The former Dynamo Kyiv left back is a lethal crosser of the ball too. Perhaps, crossing is one of his strongest qualities which explain why he was regarded as a like for like replacement to Digne.

Everton face Brentford on 5th February in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Mykolenko is likely to return to the side as the Toffees kick off the remainder of the campaign under Lampard.

Is Vitaliy Mykolenko another smart signing for Everton?