Why Enzo Maresca was applauding Noni Madueke during Chelsea’s defeat to Servette

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Chelsea winger Noni Madueke really appears to be on Enzo Maresca’s good side right now.

Noni Madueke, of course, helped Enzo Maresca to win his first Premier League game as Chelsea manager last weekend after scoring a hat-trick in the Blues’ 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He was not able to follow that up with more goals in Chelsea‘s 2-1 defeat to Servette earlier; however, Maresca still seemed to be pleased with some things he did during the game.

Gabriel Agbonlahor backed Madueke for an England call-up after his display at Molineux, and the 22-year-old got just that today.

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What Enzo Maresca saw Noni Madueke do from the touchline in Servette game

It is good if he scores, but Maresca will also care about Madueke’s defensive contribution.

That was on show against Servette earlier and did not go unnoticed. There was one moment during the game where Madueke was able to win the ball back right in front of his manager.

In response, Maresca applauded, according to football.london journalist Bobby Vincent, who was at the match.

While his hat-trick was obviously the talking point, Madueke was also praised by Alan Shearer for his defensive contribution against Wolves.

Should Noni Madueke start against Crystal Palace on Sunday?

Madueke did not make the same kind of impact in attack against Servette that he did in the game versus Wolves, while Chelsea have so many forward options.

The likes of Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, who did not play in the Servette match, could come in for the Crystal Palace fixture at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

However, a Premier League hat-trick cannot be downplayed. It would be a bit unfair if Madueke lost his starting spot.

The fact that the idea can even be mooted, though, really does show the depth of Chelsea’s attack. If you are Maresca, it is a good problem to have, while it should also keep Madueke, Neto, Felix and the rest of the team’s offensive players on their toes.