Chelsea's Madueke cites Bellingham as he insists managers should field good young players 

England U21 international of Nigerian descent Noni Madueke namechecked Three Lions wonderkid Jude Bellingham in a bid to drive home his point of managers fielding the outstanding young players in their squads. 

The biggest story of the summer transfer window so far is Bellingham's transfer to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for a fee believed to be in the region of 100 million euros. 

Still only 19, the Birmingham City academy product made 132 appearances for Dortmund across three seasons including 116 starts. 

Late last month, Chelsea confirmed the hiring of former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino from the beginning of the 2023-2024 season.

Madueke, who struggled for game time in the first three months of his career at the Blues, says he is delighted to work with the Argentine football tactician who has a record of developing young talented players into superstars. 

"If he can make me better, I’ll be a very good player," Madueke told Evening Standard. 

"That’s exciting. I will never compromise the way I play — my game is already risky as it is. It’s about becoming as effective as I am skilful.

“Young players need a manager that can develop them further. You see Jude [Bellingham] made a move to Real Madrid at 19 years of age. It’s about how good you are. If you’re the best in your position, you play."

Madueke managed seven starts for Chelsea in the second half of last season following his move from PSV Eindhoven, with majority of his starts coming at the back end of the campaign following the appointment of Frank Lampard on a caretaker basis. 

The Anglo-Nigerian winger has been named in the Young Lions starting lineup in their ongoing game against Czech Republic at the 2023 European U21 Championship.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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