“Are you sure” – What Armando Broja said to Noni Madueke before Chelsea’s penalty vs Crystal Palace
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a noteworthy twist of events, Chelsea found themselves without their designated penalty maestro, Cole Palmer, during their recent clash against Crystal Palace. Stepping into the spotlight was Noni Madueke, who assumed the responsibility with aplomb, converting the spot kick to secure a 2-1 victory and clinch all three points for his side.
However, the prelude to this decisive moment revealed an interesting subplot. Nizaar Kinsella, an Evening Standard journalist, disclosed that Madueke’s teammates Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja approached him, seeking assurance regarding his willingness to take on the penalty duties. Despite the momentary deliberation, Madueke, unwavering in his resolve, adhered to the plan and clinically found the back of Dean Henderson’s net.
Notably, it was Gallagher who initially lined up to take the penalty, but the sage counsel of manager Mauricio Pochettino prompted him to cede the opportunity to Madueke, recognizing the latter’s confidence in the crucial moment.
Beyond the penalty heroics, Pochettino has additional reasons to celebrate Madueke’s burgeoning impact. The England U21 international, despite making appearances predominantly in the second half, garnered a commendable 7.1 match rating on WhoScored for his vibrant attacking contributions. Pochettino, while blessed with an array of wide options, including the likes of Palmer and Raheem Sterling (suspended for the Palace clash), has discernibly underused Madueke throughout the current season.
Statistical insights from the 2022/23 campaign underscore Madueke’s prowess, with an impressive average of 2.8 dribbles per game in the Premier League, the highest in Chelsea’s squad according to WhoScored. This statistical supremacy underscores Madueke’s proficiency in maneuvering past defenders with notable ease, a quality that adds a dynamic dimension to Chelsea’s attacking repertoire.
Pochettino, confronted with the pleasant predicament of a surplus of wide talents, must now contend with the burgeoning demand for Madueke’s inclusion. The young winger’s recent exploits, coupled with his statistical prowess, make a compelling case for more consistent opportunities within the starting lineup. While it presents a welcome headache for the Chelsea boss, the kind borne of a surfeit of talent, the prospect of Madueke gracing the starting eleven in the upcoming Premier League fixture against Luton Town appears increasingly probable and, indeed, well-deserved.
