Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has raised questions about the future of Noni Madueke at the club, citing Cole Palmer's exceptional form as a significant factor limiting his playing time.
Despite Chelsea's tumultuous season, one player has emerged as a beacon of hope - Cole Palmer. His impressive performances have left Madueke with fewer opportunities to showcase his talent. This comes amidst a challenging period for the Blues, who despite their recent downturns, boast a squad teeming with talent thanks to Todd Boehly's recruitment efforts since taking over ownership.
In September last year, Pochettino added to this pool by signing Palmer from Cityzens in a £40million deal that has proven to be one of last summer’s biggest coups. The 21-year-old forward has been among the Premier League’s standout performers this season, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions in just 37 appearances.
Noni Madueke needs to establish his place in side
Palmer’s arrival came eight months after Chelsea spent £29m on bringing in Madueke from PSV Eindhoven and securing him with an extensive seven-and-a-half-year contract. However, Palmer’s dazzling form has relegated Madueke to more of a supporting role; he started only ten games during his debut full season in west London.
Pochettino hinted that it might be challenging to pair up the 22-year-old with Palmer without hindering either player’s progress.
Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea manager, said:
"First of all it's about to have the space for him because when the club sign Cole Palmer, he [Madueke] was also here at the club and they're in the same position,"
"It's all about adaptation and trying to find the dynamic where he and Palmer can play together. Hopefully he can be consistent playing in the starting XI and show his quality. But always it's about to find the right balance in the team."
Madueke may consider options if things doesn’t workout
If things don't pan out at Chelsea and if he is compelled to seek better opportunities elsewhere, there is potential for regret; he could become another star who slipped through their fingers. During the international break recently, the England U21 international demonstrated his potential by scoring three goals and providing two assists in just two games against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.
Former England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has previously likened Madueke's trajectory to that of Phil Foden, who blossomed into one of the world's best players after being given a chance at Manchester City.
The situation presents a selection headache for Pochettino, who must balance the need to maintain Palmer’s form with the desire to develop Madueke’s potential. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Madueke can carve out a place for himself at Chelsea or if he will have to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
