Mykhailo Mudryk makes long-awaited return after 646 days as stats from Tottenham debut tell story

Mykhailo Mudryk made his long-awaited return to competitive football on Saturday as he featured for new club Tottenham in their uninspiring 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.

The 25-year-old winger, who joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Chelsea on deadline day, was introduced in the 74th minute against Oliver Glasner's Forest, replacing fellow forward Mathys Tel.

Like many of his teammates, Mudryk struggled to make an impact and ended the game with just four touches, according to FotMob. He also completed one of his two passes and covered 2.4km.

Speaking in his post-match media duties, Roberto De Zerbi admitted Mudryk still has a lot of work to do. “He's not ready yet," said the Italian. "He's working to reach the best physical condition. He needs time, he needs work."

It was an afternoon to forget for the visitors as their search for a first Premier League goal of the season continues.

In fact, they failed to have a shot on target in a league match for the first time since April 2022 at the City Ground, despite cameos from summer signings Omar Marmoush, Savio and Sandro Tonali.

Mudryk made his Tottenham debut on Saturday. Image credit: Getty

Ultimately, Tottenham’s lack of creativity in forward areas made it extremely difficult for Mudryk to have any meaningful impact on the game.

Asked whether he was concerned about his side's failure to have a shot on target, De Zerbi said: "No. We could score three or four goals today because if you take the wrong decision you don't score but it's still a chance."

Mykhailo Mudryk is likely to get plenty of opportunities under Roberto De Zerbi

It has been a difficult period for Mudyrk, who hadn't featured in a competitive game since Chelsea's Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim in 2024 prior to the game against Forest.

But after resolving his doping case with the FA last month, Mudryk will try to reignite his career under De Zerbi, a manager who once claimed that the winger can win football's biggest individual prize.

Speaking in 2022 after Brighton were linked with a move for the then-Shakhtar player, De Zerbi said: "Mudryk is a fantastic player but Brighton can't buy hi. I like him, just like all my ex-players I like, but Brighton can't buy Mudryk."

He added: "I think Mudryk can win the Ballon d'Or in the future. I know the value of Mudryk, he has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or."

A month later, De Zerbi once again insisted that Mudryk can win a Ballon d'Or but described the player as someone who is "very sensitive" and "needs affection".

Speaking to La Repubblica, he said: “Mykhailo has the potential for a top career. In my opinion, he can also win the Ballon d’Or. He is a player of the highest level but he is also very sensitive."

The Italian added: "He needs affection. We will see if he matches his potential.”