24-year-old Everton player admits he finds it ‘scary’ playing against £34m Liverpool star

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Everton haven’t had much joy when facing Liverpool over the past few years.

The Toffees did get a victory in-front of an empty Anfield back in 2021. But that aside, their last win at the home of their neighbours was way back in 1999. Things haven’t gone too much better at Goodison Park, where Everton haven’t beaten Liverpool since 2010.

So, perhaps it’s no surprise to hear that Sean Dyche’s current crop of players aren’t big fans of facing the Reds. Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko certainly isn’t, anyway. Speaking to Sky Sports Premier League, Mykolenko was asked to named the toughest winger he’s played against.

“Three players. Mo Salah, Bukayo Saka and Bernardo Silva,” said the 24-year-old.

“If you had to separate and pick one,” pushed the interviewer.

“Mo Salah,” Mykolenko confirmed. “He is going with the ball really fast and straight direct to you, it’s scary for me and other defenders!”

Mykolenko hails Salah threat

Ask any left-back in the Premier League, heck, even in Europe, who the gave them the most difficult game of their career, and many will say the same as Mykolenko.

Salah has been tormenting defenders in England, Italy and across the continent for the past decade now.

As his star turn against Brentford on Saturday was further proof of, the Egyptian is still very much at the peak of his powers, too.

Even though he missed six weeks of Premier League action, Salah is still the league’s top goal contributor. Second only to Erling Haaland in terms of goals and one behind Kieran Trippier and Ollie Watkins for assists, Mo is as effective as ever.

Unfortunately, it looks like the 31-year-old won’t get the chance to add to those impressive tally’s this evening.

He was introduced a little earlier than planned on Saturday following injury to Diogo Jota. As a result, it looks like Salah may have to sit out of tonight’s match with Luton Town.

That will be a shame for the £34m man, who is always looking to get out there and torment his full-back.

We’ll just have to hope that with a full week and more to rest, Liverpool’s Egyptian King is back ready to give Ben Chilwell the run-around at Wembley next Sunday.