In Focus: Madueke could be key to Poch's Chelsea rebuild

Noni Madueke is looking to help England triumph in the European Under-21 Championship for the first time since 1984.

Lee Carsley's Young Lions are into the final four of the 2023 tournament after beating Portugal 1-0 on Sunday courtesy of a goal by Newcastle's Anthony Gordon.

Ahead of England's semi-final against Israel on Wednesday, we shine the spotlight on rising star Madueke and see what the 21-year-old can offer Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino next season.

International breakthrough

Madueke debuted for England U-21s at the previous European Championship two years ago — but it has taken him a while to make a significant impact.

The former PSV Eindhoven winger's first stellar display on the international scene came in a friendly match against France U-21s on March 25.

In a sensational 24-minute cameo, Madueke scored a goal and assisted two more to help the Young Lions claim an impressive 4-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.

The London-born forward has started every game for Carsley's side since, earning the Player of the Match award in the 2-0 group stage victory over Germany last Wednesday.

Special talent

Much of the reason why Madueke is viewed as a potential superstar in the making is his impressive dribbling ability.

The Englishman is a full-back's nightmare with his pace and unpredictability, while the fact he can go either way only enhances the ability to feed team-mates.

In the Premier League last season, the Chelsea ace ranked first for take-ons completed per 90 minutes (4.6) and finished in the top 40 for chances created per 90.

And during his time at PSV, Madueke proved he can be clinical in the final third too.

From 80 appearances in all competitions with the Dutch outfit, the West Londoners' No23 scored 20 goals and assisted a further 14.

The real Madueke

Madueke will be itching to further impress Pochettino when England lock horns with Israel, with Chelsea's first pre-season fixture against Wrexham scheduled for July 19.

And the winger is confident fans will see the real version of him in a Blues jersey moving forward.

On a turbulent first season at Stamford Bridge, he said: "A lot of changes are out of the players' hands, but you roll with the punches.

"I guess when the club wants to do something a bit special, there's bound to be changes. We're trying to create a squad that can compete for the next 10 years.

"I definitely performed well, showed my ability, but next season you'll see the real me. 

"Next season, I want to contribute massively to Chelsea winning. That's it.

"We're all buzzing to come back in pre-season with the new manager, forget last year and bring Chelsea back to where they're meant to be — fighting for titles."

Exciting times

Madueke will form part of an exciting attacking department at Chelsea next season following the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.

With an experienced manager at the helm in Pochettino and a less bloated squad, the winger will feel he has the perfect platform to take the Premier League by storm.

And winning the Euros with the Young Lions would give him even more confidence to enter the new season with.