‘Exciting’ Chelsea player now needs to be one of the first names on the teamsheet after Fulham defeat

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea had a Boxing Day to forget after losing 2-1 to their west London rivals Fulham.

Enzo Maresca‘s men looked like they would win the game after Cole Palmer put them in front with another excellent strike just after the 15th minute.

However, late goals from substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz saw Fulham turn things around and leave Stamford Bridge with all three points.

Maresca decided to leave Noni Madueke out of the matchday squad for the game, but after that defeat, the winger now has to be one of the first players he selects going forward.

• READ MORE: Enzo Maresca gives the reason why Renato Veiga was not in Chelsea’s squad to face Fulham as Noni Madueke claim made

Chelsea look more dangerous with Noni Madueke in the side

While Madueke was dropped from Chelsea’s squad for the west London derby, he has actually been one of the team’s best players this season.

In 16 Premier League appearances, Madueke has scored five goals and provided three assists. Only Cole Palmer (12) and Nicolas Jackson (nine) have found the back of the net more times than the 22-year-old.

In general, Chelsea just look like a more dangerous outfit when Madueke is on the pitch because of what he brings to the team. For example, the Englishman is a terrific dribbler.

As per FBref, Madueke has ranked in the 96th percentile for progressive carries and the 80th for successful take-ons among attacking midfielders and wingers over the last year.

When former England interim manager Lee Carsley spoke about Madueke in 2023, he told The Athletic and other outlets: “He is exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile but what we have to remember is he is still young.”

Will Noni Madueke start against Ipswich Town?

Chelsea’s next game is against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, and Maresca has confirmed that the England international is in contention to play in that match.

“Sometimes we just take a decision and it’s no more than that,” the 44-year-old was quoted as saying by The Guardian. “Is he in contention for Ipswich? Yeah, for sure.”

Again, Madueke brings a massive threat to the pitch, especially compared to Pedro Neto at this moment in time.

Neto was at fault for Fulham’s equaliser after being easily outmuscled by Alex Iwobi, while the Portuguese has only scored one goal in the Premier League so far this season.

Ultimately, based on how the Fulham game went, you would expect Madueke to return to Maresca’s starting XI. Chelsea fans certainly want to see Madueke return for the match at Portman Road.