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Mauricio Pochettino has admitted one of Chelsea’s most recent signings has struggled for minutes due to the emergence of Cole Palmer.
Palmer, who joined the club from Manchester City back in September 2023, has been one of the standout performers for the Blues so far this season.
With a whopping 21 goals and 13 assists already to his name, the 21-year-old has missed just three Premier League games in 2023/24 and been an integral part of Pochettino's plans.
Typically operating through the middle or on the right, the Three Lions international has also continued to lump pressure on Gareth Southgate regarding a potential call-up for this summer’s European Championships.
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But with plenty of players at Stamford Bridge also vowing for their own chance in the spotlight, Pochettino recently said he felt sorry for one young star in particular due to Palmer’s form.
“First of all it’s about to have the space for him,” began the former Spurs boss, when quizzed on fellow Englishman Noni Madueke.
“Because when the club signed Cole Palmer, he (Madueke) was also here at the club and they’re in the same position.
“It’s all about adaptation and trying to find the dynamic where him and Palmer can play together.
“Hopefully he can be consistent playing in the starting XI and show his quality. But always it’s about to find the right balance in the team.”
Madueke, 22, joined from Dutch giants PSV in January 2023 but has struggled to find a way into the Argentine’s plans.
The England Under-21 international has started just five Premier League games in 2023/24 but did make several appearances during the Blues’ run to the Carabao Cup final, scoring two goals.
Costing the club in the region of £30million, Madueke has admitted that he feels comfortable in west London, despite their talk of a potential loan move circulating in recent weeks.
"Chelsea definitely feels like home,” he recently told club media.
"It's been a great few months of learning for me with some successes too, on an individual note.
"Everyone here has huge aspirations, individually and collectively, but I feel like the process we're in right now is just about getting a little bit better every day, getting better every game, and growing closer.”
Matthew Holt