Jason Cundy thinks one Chelsea player has started the season in such good form that he’s managed to cement his position in their best starting line-up.
For Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, he’s got a talented squad of players to choose from each game. When you count up the domestic and European competitions this campaign, he’s going to need the strength in depth as well.
There’s only a few obvious standouts when you pick the best Blues side, including attacking talisman Cole Palmer. Incidentally, it’s been confirmed via Chelsea’s official website that Palmer is in team training ahead of Bournemouth on Saturday.
Jason Cundy showers Noni Madueke with praise
TalkSPORT pundit and former Chelsea player Jason Cundy has been super impressed by the impact of Noni Madueke in the 2024/25 season.
The 22-year-old Blues winger has scored four goals in four games for his club so far. Also, he made his senior England debut this week, coming off the bench to assist a Harry Kane goal.
According to Cundy, Madueke has definitely done enough to be in Chelsea’s best starting XI.
He said on talkSPORT (10:58pm, 10 September): “He (Madueke) had a good pre-season. He’s picked up from pre-season going into this season, and he’s one of Chelsea’s most dangerous players at the moment.
“Chelsea’s best XI, he starts on that right-hand side. He’s pretty much nailed that position down, and that’s what has got him in the England squad.
“As we know, Lee Carsley knows him very well from coaching him before [in the Under-21s]. There’s no reason why Noni can’t continue his form at Chelsea and you need back-up for [Bukayo] Saka.”
Noni Madueke’s England debut
Madueke was rewarded for a quick start this season for his club with a maiden call-up to England’s senior squad in September.
Here is a look at his individual statistics from an eye-catching debut for England against Finland on Tuesday night, via FotMob:
- Match rating – 7.0
- Minutes played – 24
- Assists – 1
- Total shots – 3
- Successful dribbles – 1/1 (100%)
- Touches – 24
- Touches in opposition box – 8
- Accurate passes – 12/15 (80%)
- Chances created – 1
Next, Madueke returns to Chelsea and he’s got to keep up this form. While Cundy is convinced he’s locked into the best XI, we suspect he’ll soon face serious pressure from versatile winger Pedro Neto for a spot on the right.
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