Noni Maduke, Wesley Fofana, John Obi Mikel (Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel warns that Noni Madueke should see this summer’s transfer window.
Mikel is a Madueke fan, but he is concerned that there appears to be tension between England International and blues manager Enzo Maresca.
Madueke had a decent season for Chelsea, but he found himself in and out of the starting point under Maresca.
It may be that Italian tacticians don’t fully appreciate Madueque or that the 23-year-old is actually not a proper tactical fit for some reason.
Either way, Mikel wants to see Madueke stay at Chelsea, but thinks there is a risk that he will be allowed to leave.
John Obi Mikel on the situation of Noni Madueke in Chelsea
Speaking to Metro about Maduke’s future, Mikel said: “I like him. There’s a lot of room for improvement, but as a player, I think he can definitely do more.
“There’s more to expect from Noni. His relationship with the manager was a bit tense throughout the season, but I liked how he gave him a bit of kicking him in the back.
Enzo knows that Noni can do better, he knows there are many more out there. I think Noni would have put it on occasion, but I think he could do better. If he is a player who has to let go to bring in another top winger, that’s not a bad idea, but for me, I’ll protect him and bring someone else.
“Because the talent is there. But he needs to come out weekly. The manager knows better than anyone else, he must have seen something in him that we’ve never seen. Maybe he doesn’t know how he trains, how he applies himself, if that happens, there may be a reason why Maresca wants to kick him out. But as a Chelsea fan, I’m protecting him.”
Chelsea need to change their attack
In a way, if Chelsea decides to sell Madueke, that’s surprising.
Jadon Sancho’s loan is over, but while we imagine Joao Felix going to leave, there may also be a big question mark about underperforming players like Pedro Neto and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Madueke may not be the most consistent player in the world, but for now he is not the main issue of this Chelsea attack.