What Chelsea star Noni Madueke said about himself 12 months ago has now come true

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Chelsea’s Noni Madueke made an interesting claim about himself a year ago, which has now come true this season.

Noni Madueke, 22, is one of so many youngsters in the talented Chelsea squad. It’s a testament to his recent form that he’s managed to cement a starting position in the Blues XI under Enzo Maresca.

The right-winger is currently away on international duty with England’s senior squad. The Sun claims that Madueke has passed a fitness test with England, so he’s available for selection when the Three Lions host Greece on Thursday night at Wembley Stadium.

• READ MORE: TalkSPORT pundit claims Chelsea’s Noni Madueke is a better footballer than £100m man

What Noni Madueke said 12 months ago

Speaking back in October 2023, Madueke claimed it was only a matter of time before things clicked for him at Chelsea.

He said via The Evening Standard: “I definitely back myself. It’s just a matter of time before things click; I’ve just got to get my head down and work hard, I’ve got the ability and talent to do well.”

The Chelsea attacker finished last season with eight goals in 34 games across all competitions, but he struggled for consistent minutes in Mauricio Pochettino’s side. In fact, it wasn’t until the back end when he played more regularly and earned the manager’s trust.

Now, he’s had a fresh challenge with Maresca arriving in the summer into the manager’s dugout. It’s fair to say the change has been a big success for him.

Noni Madueke was right to back himself

The proof is there this season that Madueke was right to say he’ll come good in Chelsea colours.

So far, Madueke has scored five goals in eight games across all competitions this term for the Blues. It’s a sign of his form that he’s currently keeping Pedro Neto on the bench in the Premier League fixtures.

The incredible competition for places at Chelsea, especially in the forward positions, means that Madueke can’t let his foot off the gas. There’s no doubt that he’s in his best purple patch since his move from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, though.

Speaking via talkSPORT last month, Jamie O’Hara raved about “direct” Chelsea star Madueke.

It’s perhaps lost on supporters that Madueke is only a 22-year-old and he’s been trying to impress in a chaotic environment.

Now that Chelsea appear to have settled down a little bit under Maresca, we think plenty more players will be able to excel and find a rhythm in their game.