As we all know, Chelsea want to go into this new season with a big squad full of quality all over the park and depth in each position.
They are planning this due to the fact that we are playing in two extra competitions in the shape of The Europa Conference League and The Club World Cup.
Chelsea are also still fearful of the injury misfortune from last season and are aware that some players are likely to miss games with injuries.
They have bulked up the squad, which is great for the reasons mentioned above, but it will also create a lot of competition for game time. This can also be seen as a positive, yet create some issues too.
Players want to play football, and if some players are not playing then it could lead to some unrest. However, whether players are playing or not simply has to be down to them. Playing for a top side like Chelsea you are always going to experience competition and it is down to you to make sure you play. The players should and will hopefully know this and be fully prepared to accept it. If they don’t, that is where the issues start.
There will be plenty of game time, but what every single Chelsea player will need to do this season is follow the early example that has been set by winger Noni Madueke.
He has literally taken his opportunities whenever he has been handed minutes, and he has literally said to Enzo Maresca, ‘I’m your man and I will show you why I am a starter.’
And then he also probably needs to say to Chelsea, ‘You aren’t selling me, I’m here to make it.’ But he also might need to say that to himself.
Rumours of Madueke to Newcastle were still very strong even up to last week and have really been from the player being concerned about his game time at Chelsea moving forward, we had even heard that the subject was still hot just days ago. So I’d not fully rule this out still. But Fabrizio Romano has reported that Madueke is now STAYING at Chelsea.
The example he has set with his performances when given minutes is what every single player needs to do. You need to perform to your very best level and as consistently as you can. If you do this, you’ve done all you can to keep your place and you are making yourself impossible to drop. This is what every player needs to do, keep your standards at the highest and fight for every ball. Prove your worth, make yourself un-droppable.
I think Madueke has done this with his performance against Wolves. How can you possibly drop him after that game? He was flawless.
But Madueke needs to show these levels, especially with his end product, on a consistent basis. That is what he has failed to do so far in a Chelsea shirt.
Chelsea are STACKED in the attacking midfield areas, and with alleged Jadon Sancho interest as well, this could only increase. Major competition up there.
Interestingly though, we have heard more hints this week from sources that Mykhailo Mudryk could actually go on loan before the end of the week, which would then absolutely nail down Madueke as staying.
Madueke is one of those players who fully backs himself and wants to play, believes he should be a starter. So how he has played recently is exactly how he has needed to act if he wants to stay and play regularly at this club. Long may that continue.
