Noni Madueke, a winger for Chelsea who has excelled in back-to-back games against Arsenal and more recently at Bournemouth, is their very own maverick.
'An unorthodox or independent-minded individual' is how the term'maverick' is defined.
It's common to use that definition of the term to describe particular football players. those athletes who enjoy entertaining the crowd. Since football is meant to be entertaining, it need entertainers.
Paul Gascoigne, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and more recently Allan Saint-Maximin have all thrilled Newcastle United fans in the Premier League throughout the years. Not even bringing up the legendary Eden Hazard. When they are not quite on it, each of the players on the list can irritate fans, but when they are, there is little that can compare to the pure entertainment value they provide.
Footballers that take players on quickly, shoot on sight, and do abilities while in possession of the ball are known as "mavericks." Chelsea also now has one of their own.
Last week at the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea put up a terrible overall performance, but Madueke stood out as a bright spot. Despite his team's poor performance, the England Under-23 international always seemed upbeat on the ball and scored his first goal for Chelsea.
A few days later, when Chelsea traveled to the south coast to play an in-form Bournemouth team, Frank Lampard was forced to start the winger. Many had predicted that the Blues, who entered the game with a six-game losing skid, would stumble once more at the Vitality Stadium, but another outstanding effort from Madueke helped the visitors get three points.
Madueke cut in on his preferred left foot by playing on the right side. He maintained a wide stance, just like a conventional winger, which is uncommon these days. It caused Matias Vina, the left defender for Bournemouth, a lot of problems. He wasn't sure whether to leave a wide gap in the four-man defense by following Madueke to the sidelines or to give him room to guard the penalty area.
When Madueke did receive the ball, he had plenty of room to run into, and by the time he reached Vina, his speed and cunning had assured the England Under-23s international's smooth passage. Vina was cautious about giving the elusive winger too much room with his outstanding left foot, so he frequently guided him to the touchline with his 'weaker' right foot, but Madueke wasn't bothered by that. He was perfectly content to move along the line and take a different path to his left.
This was a recurring theme, especially in the first half, and it was what Chelsea was depending on to get chances against the Cherries. To use an outdated cliche, Madueke is the kind of player that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
From now until the conclusion of the season, Chelsea fans will be eager to see Madueke frequently. He should continue to play for the team. Raheem Sterling has been having a difficult time lately, so he is the ideal replacement to keep his compatriot out of the spotlight while he works to rebuild his confidence.
In the season's final four games, Madueke has a genuine chance to establish himself. He may very possibly find himself in the plans of the next permanent head coach in time for the 202324 season if he succeeds in doing that, regardless of what transpires during the summer transfer window.
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