Mykolenko Resurgent, Everton Leaning on a Player Once Reviled

Vitalii Mykolenko has become an indispensable figure in Everton's squad at the start of the 2026/27 season, a surprising transformation for a full-back who for years was a target of criticism for being slow and offering little going forward. His impressive recent form has been an oasis amid the injury storm and squad limitations buffeting David Moyes's side.

Everton are indeed facing a tricky situation. The management under The Friedkin Group is judged to have failed to meet Moyes's needs in last summer's transfer window. Instead of bringing in a new striker, they let Beto go to Fiorentina and Iliman Ndiaye leave, leaving Thierno Barry as the only out-and-out centre-forward. This has forced Moyes to rely on players such as Tyrique George or Brennan Johnson as a false nine, clearly not an ideal solution for an ambition to finish in the European places.

Amid those limitations, Mykolenko has stood out as one of the most consistent players. The Ukraine international has recorded a 60% duel success rate and has yet to make a fatal error this season. His best display came against Tottenham Hotspur, where he won all seven of his tackles and created one chance. Those statistics contrast with previous seasons, when he was often criticised for positional lapses and a lack of attacking contribution.

Everton's decision to loan out Adam Aznou without bringing in a replacement at left-back has backfired. Mykolenko is now the only capable option on the left side of defence, forcing him to play in almost every match. The situation mirrors Barry's up front: both have become players who cannot be rotated because there is no comparable backup. Yet unlike Barry, who is still young and naive, Mykolenko has shown maturity and composure rarely seen before.

The change in Mykolenko's form is inseparable from the role of Moyes, known for his ability to maximise the potential of defensive players. The Scottish manager successfully built Everton into a solid team in his first spell, and he is now trying to repeat that success with limited resources. Mykolenko, now 27 and entering his sixth season at Goodison Park, appears to be starting to understand Moyes's tactical expectations and turn his weaknesses into strengths.

"This group is really good," Mykolenko said in an interview, reflecting his rising confidence.

For Everton, Mykolenko's resurgence is a hidden blessing. With uncertainty at right-back and a lack of squad depth, Mykolenko's flexibility and consistency provide the stability that has long been missing. If he can maintain his level of performance, it is not impossible that he becomes one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season, while also changing the public perception of those who once doubted him.

Indonesian context: Mykolenko's story is a valuable lesson for Liga Indonesia clubs that often get trapped in a cycle of buying players without careful planning. Everton, with all their limitations, have instead forced the players they have to develop beyond expectations. Teams such as Persija Jakarta or Persib Bandung could learn that squad stability and trust in existing players is sometimes more effective than bringing in many new players who may not fit. In addition, Mykolenko's mental resilience in facing public pressure can be an inspiration for Indonesian footballers who often receive sharp criticism from supporters.

Going forward, Mykolenko's biggest challenge is maintaining consistency. The Premier League is a cruel league, and one bad performance can quickly bring back the negative stigma. However, if he keeps showing the form he displayed against Tottenham, it is not impossible that Everton will secure a ticket to European competition for the first time in nearly a decade. The question is whether Mykolenko can become the foundation of that success, or whether this is merely an illusion before the injury storm hits again.