There were not many positives for Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca to take forwards after he saw his side defeated by Legia Warsaw in the Conference League quarter-finals second leg.
The Blues still progressed to the semi-finals of the competition with a 4-2 aggregate win, however they lost their 100% record in the competition with the defeat at Stamford Bridge.
Some eyebrows were raised when Maresca named a very strong Chelsea side for the second leg, despite normally using the competition as a platform for fringe players and academy prospects.
Tyrique George scored his first goal for the club in the first leg, however was nowhere to be seen as the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson started in West London.
There were a number of disappointing displays as far as the Blues were concerned. Chelsea fans criticised Reece James in midfield, as Maresca conntinues with that way of thinking.
Polish media hail Noni Madueke as Chelsea’s best player in Legia Warsaw defeat
The Polish media mocked Palmer too, as the England international’s terrible 2025 in front of goal continued before he was substituted.
Sport PL were convinced that the best player on the pitch as far as Chelsea were concerned was one who didn’t even start the game. They were full of praise for Noni Madueke after he impacted the game from the bench.
They said: “Legia was hungry for more goals, they were striving for them, but they lacked effectiveness, quality, and sometimes the right number of players in front of the goal of “The Blues”.
“Chelsea tried to equalize. Noni Madueke looked good after coming off the bench, he was driving the right wing. But the Londoners were unable to beat Kovacevic or win duels with Legia’s defenders. They were often a quarter or half a step late.”
Top clubs taking note of Madueke
Despite proving to be Chelsea’s biggest goal threat from the wings this season, there is no clarity over Madueke’s long-term future at the club.
Newcastle are showing an interest in Madueke, with it clear to see why other top sides thing the England international may become available at the end of the season.
The Blues are set to welcome Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez into their ranks this summer, with the club having pleny of hopes that they can be stars of the future.
With Estevao being tipped to become a starter immediately, there will be plenty of competition for places out wide, something which could lead Madueke to not get the minutes he desires.
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