Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino commended winger Noni Madueke for his dedication and effort in earning a return to the starting lineup this season.
Initially, the 21-year-old faced challenges, receiving limited minutes in the first half of the season.
He featured in only six of the initial 17 Premier League games and had just one start.
Pochettino openly called for Madueke to elevate his training performances to secure more playing time.
In reaction to that call, Madueke made a significant impact coming off the bench in the 2-1 loss to Wolves.
He followed up with a goal as a substitute against Crystal Palace. His standout performance continued as he earned a start and scored a goal in Chelsea’s win against Luton Town, marking a remarkable few weeks for him.
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“We have spoken about players needing to improve and he is a player that has improved a lot,” Pochettino said of Madueke.
“I am so happy with his behaviour and the way he has committed, first with himself and also with the other areas of the club.
“He has potential and talent, but it’s in the way he behaves and does things in the future that will help him succeed.
“It is an example that there is a platform for everyone, then it is about being right in your mind and being consistent in the way we propose they behave.”
Pochettino also moved to put an end to suggestions he played a part in Madueke’s decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur for PSV Eindhoven when he was 16 years old.
“He was 16 when I was there; we knew him because we followed the players in the academy at Tottenham, but he was a talented player,” the boss said.
Madueke is expected to play a part in the FA Cup third-round clash with Preston on Saturday after Pochettino confirmed he will play close to his strongest side against the Championship outfit, who currently find themselves 14th in England’s second tier.
