Former Shakhtar Donetsk sporting director José Boto believes Roberto De Zerbi could be the right manager to get Mykhailo Mudryk back to his best at Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese executive has explained why the winger needs the right support to fulfil his potential.

Mudryk joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Chelsea in September, with the club holding a £75 million option to make the deal permanent. However, the 25-year-old has endured a frustrating start to life in north London.

The Ukrainian has made just one competitive appearance for Tottenham, playing 16 minutes against Nottingham Forest. He subsequently suffered an ankle injury in training, which De Zerbi described as ‘stupid’, and has now spent more than a month on the sidelines.

José Boto explains what Mykhailo Mudryk needs at Tottenham

Boto worked with Mudryk during his time at Shakhtar Donetsk and knows the winger’s abilities well. He believes the Ukraine international has everything needed to become one of the Premier League’s most exciting players, although getting the best out of him will require more than just regular playing time.

Speaking in an interview relayed by GiveMeSport, Boto said: “Look, I had Mudryk at Shakhtar for some years. He has a lot of natural talent, and he is a special kid who lived through some difficulties when he was a child. He needs to have someone who takes care of him. I think Roberto was the first one who treated him like his son.

“He has incredible talent. He has everything a top player needs: speed, pace, technique and vision. He needs to concentrate everything on football – we know it is not easy. A kid who comes from Shakhtar Donetsk to Chelsea for big money, that is a weight on his back. But I think if he solves all his problems off the pitch, he will be one of the most exciting talents the Premier League has.”

Boto’s comments are particularly interesting given Mudryk’s previous relationship with De Zerbi. The Tottenham boss worked with the winger at Shakhtar before his move to Chelsea in January 2023, and the pair have spoken warmly about each other since being reunited.

In fact, Mudryk described De Zerbi as his ‘football father’ shortly after joining Spurs. He explained that he trusts the Italian and believes working under him will help bring out the best in his game.

De Zerbi has already backed Mudryk to become a world-class player

De Zerbi has never hidden his admiration for Mudryk, having previously suggested the winger could become a Ballon d’Or winner. The Tottenham boss made that prediction during his time at Brighton, shortly before the Ukrainian completed his big-money move to Chelsea.

He said at the time: “Mudryk is a fantastic player, I think he can win the Ballon d’Or in the future. I like him as my ex-player, but I am now Brighton coach; Brighton cannot buy Mudryk.”

Those comments came after Mudryk had impressed during his time at Shakhtar, where his pace and ability to create chances made him one of the most sought-after young attackers in Europe. However, he struggled to produce the same level of performances consistently after joining Chelsea.

His career was then interrupted by a lengthy suspension following an anti-doping rule violation involving meldonium. Mudryk was initially handed a four-year ban, but the case was resolved in July 2026 after the FA, the player and the World Anti-Doping Agency reached an agreement.

As part of that resolution, the winger accepted a period of ineligibility equal to the time he had already served and was allowed to return to football. His move to Tottenham subsequently offered him the chance to rebuild his career under a manager who already knew his qualities.

Tottenham face important £75m Mudryk decision

Tottenham invested heavily in their attack over the summer, bringing in Omar Marmoush and Savio alongside Mudryk. While the other two have enjoyed more playing time, the former Chelsea winger has barely had an opportunity to show what he can offer.

His injury has made the situation even more frustrating, particularly after spending so long away from competitive football. De Zerbi will be hoping to get Mudryk back on the pitch soon and give him the opportunity to build up his match fitness.

Spurs have the option to sign the winger permanently for £75 million next summer, but that would represent a significant investment. Mudryk will need to show he can stay fit and make a consistent impact before Tottenham can properly assess whether to trigger the clause.

Boto certainly believes the talent is still there, and De Zerbi has made similar comments himself. The next step is for Mudryk to demonstrate that potential on the pitch in a Tottenham shirt.