After not starting the first game of the Premier League season, one Chelsea player has bulldozed his way into Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Noni Madueke has started every league game since that day, with him enjoying a very strong start to the campaign.
His three goals against Wolves helped him deliver the best statistical performance of the season at that time, and helped him earn a place in the most recent England squad.
Cundy says Madueke not on Saka’s level yet
He was a replacement for Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, with him making an immediate impact off the bench.
It was pitched to Jason Cundy that the Chelsea man is in a better position than Saka right now, however the pundit said he still needs to see top level performances for a longer to be swayed that way.
He said to TalkSPORT: “Noni Madueke has made a great start to the season, right? Saka has been doing it, for what, two-and-a-half, three years at this level. Okay, I don’t know where to go with this. I am a fan of Saka, I am a fan.
“But what I will say is on that right-hand side, Southgate struggled for someone. If Southgate wanted to make a change, didn’t really have that natural replacement. Noni Madueke right now, he is going to be in and around it, you would have thought, in this first squad.
“But Saka has been doing it at this level. Noni has got to get there. He has got to get there and stay there. That’s his job. He has been brilliant this season.”
Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku pushing for starts
Madueke will no doubt be under pressure to keep his place in the Chelsea side with the plethora of talent Maresca has at his disposal in attack.
The likes of Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku are vying for a place in the starting line-up after it was their impact that made the difference last time out against Bournemouth.
Pedro Neto could also prosper from minutes on the right wing, throwing more competition Madueke’s way.
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