Noni Madueke was full of praise for the returning Trevoh Chalobah after our victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he did confess to feeling confident the defender’s header was already going in before he made sure to put us 3-1 up.
Madueke clearly relishes playing against Wolves. His close-range header in last night's win was his fourth goal of the season against the Old Gold, with his league tally this term now standing at six. He explained his thought process as Chalobah’s header came in his direction, before assessing the centre-back’s display on his first appearance for the Blues since May.
‘I’m always happy to score goals, especially somewhat easy ones like that!’ joked Madueke.
‘It’s attacker’s instinct. I think I knew it was going over the line, and I said sorry to Trev after. An assist on his first game back is great for him, but I had to put it in the net!
‘He’s my brother! He was saying, ‘No way you took my goal, no way you took my goal!’, but I said, ‘Bro, you have to understand this is what they pay me to do!’
‘He was unbelievable: leadership, character, bravery on the ball,’ added Madueke of Chalobah’s performance.
‘The system from the manager is difficult to play and he slotted in seamlessly. I’m really delighted for him. It’s not a coincidence players like him and Reece are back in and we won the game. They’re Chelsea through and through and they helped us with their leadership for sure.’
After a fast start to the season, which included that treble at Molineux, Madueke has found himself on the bench more often in recent weeks. During that period, Enzo Maresca has urged for more consistency from the winger, who the head coach considers one of our 'best players'.
Madueke has explained how he responds to such feedback.
‘When the manager criticises you it’s not always nice, but I do know it’s coming from a great place and he is trying to improve me,’ acknowledged Madueke.
'You have to take it on the chin and try and get better every day, which I try and do, especially with my goals and assists. It’s about helping the team in every aspect, and thankfully I had a hand in the second and third goal. Now we move on to Man City and try and do the same.
‘I’m 22 years old, this is my second full season in the Premier League and for sure there are many aspects of my game that can grow,’ he continued.
‘I work hard every day to try and do so. I don’t think I’m anywhere near the potential I have inside me, and I’m just trying to fulfil that.’