“You will be bench if you let us down today” – Enzo Maresca put real pressure on Chelsea star ahead of Tottenham clash
Chelsea is playing well going into their London derby against Tottenham Hotspur today.
Last time out, Enzo Maresca’s team defeated Southampton 5-1 to take second place in the Premier League standings.
Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke were among Chelsea’s five goal scorers that evening.
After being benched for the Blues’ 3-0 victory over Aston Villa the previous game, Madueke made a comeback to the starting lineup. Additionally, you would anticipate that he would keep his position following his success at St. Mary’s.
Enzo Maresca’s warning to Noni Madueke ahead of Spurs clash
Should Madueke get the nod at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon, the winger will be under pressure to perform.
Following Chelsea’s 5-1 triumph over Southampton, Maresca stated that he wanted more from the 22-year-old, claiming that his performance levels tend to drop after he has a good game.
Maresca spoke about Madueke in his pre-match press conference after full time, telling reporters: “The moment he starts to score or assist and is happy, he starts to drop a little bit and the reason why he was not playing is because I do not like the way he trained.”
Who could replace Noni Madueke?
Again, after his display against Southampton and the fact that he has been Chelsea’s first-choice right winger this term, Madueke starting in this afternoon’s London derby seems likely.
The Englishman’s goal during the week was a quality one. “This is pure class,” Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said when analysing Madueke’s strike.
However, Maresca has options if he wants to replace Madueke during the game or from the start. Jadon Sancho, who also netted against Southampton, and Pedro Neto can play on the right, too.
It is another reason why Madueke has to start showing more consistency in matches and training better.
Overall, Madueke is having a bright campaign. In the 13 appearances that the England international has made in the Premier League, he has scored five goals and provided two assists.
It is clear, though, that Maresca thinks there is still room for improvement. And after some of the chances that he missed in Chelsea’s last outing, it is hard to disagree.