Chelsea boss Pochettino highlights one area where he wants to see improvement from Madueke

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday to preview Chelsea's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed that he was impressed with Noni Madueke's recent performances, but identified one area of his game that needs improvement. 

The England U21 international, who saw his game time limited in the first half of the season due to fitness concerns, is now playing on a regular basis, having started four consecutive matches in the Premier League for the first time in his Chelsea career.

And he has repaid the manager's faith with two goals and an assist in his last four outings in the top-flight.

Madueke was instrumental as the Blues left it late to beat Leicester City in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup, coming off the bench to score a crucial goal in stoppage time. 

Pochettino highlighted that the former PSV Eindhoven wonderkid has to improve on his defensive contribution, especially when he's without the ball.

In quotes relayed by Chelsea's official website, the Argentine football tactician told reporters: "He is doing well. He scored against Aston Villa, he is improving a lot without the ball.

"I think the challenge for him is to improve without the ball, to be more connected on the defensive side.

"He can have the profile and of course I hope that he can take advantage of the possibility to play more until the end of the season."

Tottenham Hotspur academy product Madueke returned to English football in January 2023, penning a seven-and-a-half-year contract, with a club option to extend for a further year. 

An inverted winger by trade, he has played in 41 games since his arrival at Stamford Bridge, including 21 starts. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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