Mykolenko, who joined Everton in January, has been a regular under Frank Lampard, catching the eye with a string of impressive displays in recent outings.
The 22-year-old scored his first goal for the Toffees on Sunday in stunning fashion as he volleyed the ball past Kasper Schmeichel in their 2-1 win away at Leicester City.
Former top flight star Crooks insists that it is a testament to Mykolenko’s strength, courage and resilience that he is in the right mental state to be able to lace up his boots and perform for Everton despite going through a tough spell, with Russia having invaded his country Ukraine.
Crooks labelled Mykolenko’s strike against the Foxes outstanding and stressed it fuelled Everton’s charge as they pushed on and bagged another three crucial points to drag themselves out of the drop zone.
“When you consider what is taking place in Ukraine at the moment with the Russian invasion, it’s a testament to Mykolenko’s strength, courage and resilience that he’s in any fit mental state to play professional football”, Crooks wrote in his BBC Sport column.
“To bring the Ukraine international into the starting line-up at this time must have raised some eyebrows.
“Nevertheless, the full-back’s outstanding goal provided the impetus for the Toffees – who have never been relegated from the Premier League – to go on and win the game and take three vital points.”
Everton fans will be hoping Mykolenko will keep going from strength to strength in the remaining games of the season and continue to play a key role in ensuring their top flight safety.
