Vitalii Mykolenko: Everton must consider contract U-turn as full Ukraine stats emerge

David Moyes has an extremely difficult decision to make when it comes to the future of Everton full-back Vitalii Mykolenko.

The full-back position has often been a problem for the Toffees over the years, no more so now after the departure of Seamus Coleman and Adam Aznou's struggles in England.

Jake O'Brien has been playing out of position as a right-back for the most part of his two seasons on Merseyside, and it hasn't gone much better for Mykolenko on the opposite flank.

The Ukranian international was quickly becoming one of the most reliable full-backs in the Premier League. Now, there are serious questions emerging over his future.

Everton in talks to extend Vitalii Mykolenko's contract

Although the 27-year-old still has another year remaining on his contract, there has been a lot of talk around him putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

Many, however, believe that the resources could be better spent elsewhere, and his last two appearances away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium would appear to support that argument.

Although referees are normally more lenient during international friendlies, Mykolenko has picked up yellow cards against Poland and Denmark since the 2025-26 campaign finished.

He now appears to be becoming a liability, rather than a consistent figure, and it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to argue that he needs replacing this summer.

Everton defender's stats vs Denmark speak volumes

While Ukraine's clash with Denmark on Sunday, 7 June, was cut short due to a horrifying situation, Christian Eriksen collapsing on the pitch, it was enough time for Mykolenko to struggle.

As well as being cautioned, the full-back failed to deliver any accurate crosses, lost 100 per cent of both his ground and aerial duels, and committed four fouls [FotMob].

There is absolutely no way that he'll be returning to Merseyside with any confidence behind him, and Moyes may already have plans to replace him before next season.

All recent reports point towards a brand-new contract for the 27-year-old, but it is about time that Everton accept that he's taken a backwards step, or two, and is becoming a weak point in the team.