A year ago
The winger played for England in 21 European Championships
Accompanied by Noni Madueke, it only takes a few minutes to gauge his ambition and understand what really drives him.
The Chelsea winger is determined to make a successful move to Stamford Bridge after making his £30.5 million move from PSV Eindhoven in January after a disappointing few months.
There was real excitement about the arrival of Madueke but apart from some impressive late-season performances, he was one of the players to lose out in the chaos at Chelsea.
However, his confidence in his ability to perform at the highest level has not diminished.
He says Chelsea will see 'their real selves' next season and insists he is ready to play a starring role for new manager Mauricio Pochettino as the club battle for major honors once again. Firstly, Madueke is aiming for a successful summer at the U21 European Championship. The 21-year-old from north London was included in England's squad to face the Czech Republic on Thursday night.
Knowing Pochettino will be watching him at tournaments in Romania and Georgia, Madueke hopes this will be the start of better times. "Many changes are not in the hands of the players but you have to deal with the knocks," Madueke said of a turbulent season at Chelsea.
“I think if a club wants to do something special, there must be changes. We are trying to build a competitive team for the next 10 years. “I did really well, I showed what I am capable of, but next season you will see the real me.
"Next season I want to make a big contribution to Chelsea's victory." Just that. We all hope that with the new manager, we can start pre-season again, put last year behind us and get Chelsea back to where it should be; in title contention.”
Madueke hopes to work closely with Pochettino, a coach with a track record of developing talented young players into superstars. "If it can make me better, I will be a very good player," he said. "It's exciting. I'm not going to compromise on the way I play - my game is already at risk. It's about being as efficient as possible."
“Young players need a manager who can develop them. Jude [Bellingham] joined Real Madrid when he was 19 years old. It's about how good you are. If you are the best in your position, you play."
The £53 million signing of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea this week will only add to the competition for wide spots in the squad. But Madueke, a cunning winger with an electric pace, insists he's enjoying the battle for a regular starting berth.
"If you ask Raheem [Sterling] or Mihailo [Mudrick] they will tell you the same thing," he said. “The top teams have that. You have three options on the right and left. You want to show up because you have to.
Maduke is part of a strong England Under-21 squad made up of Arsenal striker Emile Smith Rowe and Chelsea defender Levi Colville. After the meeting with the Czech Republic, they also met Germany and Israel in their group.
"Our aim has to be to win the tournament and I think we can do it," said Madueke, who is also eyeing a senior England call-up before the 2024 European Championships.
“And if I play week after week next season, I will fight to get called up to the senior team. I spoke to Gareth [Southgate] and the door opened.
“Being a Chelsea legend, playing for England, and scoring goals is part of it, but I just want to be seen as an inspiration. I want people to look back on my career and think, "Wow, Noni was amazing. I want them to be excited."
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