How Noni Madueke reacted when asked if he could play alongside Cole Palmer at Chelsea

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Chelsea have now officially signed Cole Palmer from Manchester City – a player Noni Madueke knows very well.

Putting their friendship aside for a moment, a lot of the debate has been in regards to how the pair will coexist at Stamford Bridge, as they both like to line up on the right, cutting inside on their stronger left foot.

So, how did Noni Madueke react when asked if he and Cole Palmer can strike up a partnership at Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, the Chelsea No.11 is not fazed by the 21-year-old’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, and feels they can play together rather than compete for the same spot.

Madueke told Hayters TV: “We’re very close me and Cole. We’ve been playing for England since we were 14 so I welcome him. I know him really well, we won the EURO’s together in the summer.

“He’s a great lad and a great player as well. (When asked if he can see a partnership with Palmer) Yeah. He grew up playing in the middle, but can play on the left and the right. It’s what the gaffer decides. He’s a top player and you want top players in the building as it helps you compete.”

How Chelsea could line up with Madueke and Palmer

There are a number of ways Mauricio Pochettino can incorporate both Madueke and Palmer into his starting XI.

The Argentine used a 3-4-3 formation on the opening day against Liverpool, with Raheem Sterling on the right, Carney Chukwuemeka on the left, and Nicolas Jackson up top.

If Pochettino wanted to get Palmer and Madueke into the side, the duo are able to operate on either wing, so they could flank Jackson, or even Sterling, who Pep Guardiola used centrally quite often.

Palmer could also be used centrally as a false No.9 if need be, as – like Madueke mentioned – he spent a lot of time playing in the middle during his formative years.

Hopefully, the England Under-21 duo can strike up a deadly partnership at Chelsea.