Noni Madueke was on fire for Chelsea during their surprise win at Aston Villa yesterday.
That is according to talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara.
Chelsea will have shocked many people by securing a 3-1 away victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday night in the FA Cup, which has set up a fifth round tie at home to Leeds United.
Blues attacker Noni Madueke, 21, impressed in a visiting side that were class all over the pitch.
The £29m right-winger (Sky Sports) started in attack and was industrious for 75 minutes.
He assisted the opening goal with his clever pull back for Conor Gallagher. Also, the rapid wide man was a constant problem for Villa with his direct running and clever dribbling. We’ve got to flag his defensive graft out of possession, too!
O’Hara paid a huge tribute to Madueke after Chelsea’s result last night. In fact, he claims it’s the best he’s ever seen the 21-year-old play.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
“He (Madueke) was gliding past players. It’s the best I’ve seen him play,” O’Hara told talkSPORT (10:17pm, 7 February).
O’Hara later added (10:40pm): “I’ll tell you who was brilliant tonight, I have to say Madueke. I didn’t really know much about the guy and when I’ve watched him I’ve not been completely convinced that he’s anything special. But tonight he was quick, he took the ball past players, he drifted past players, he was direct in his play. I’ve just not seen that in him at all.”
Noni Madueke against Aston Villa
We agree that Madueke was a huge positive with his contribution in the FA Cup.
In our view, he’s simply got to start more game for Chelsea.
The winger is such a threat drifting in from the right onto his favoured left foot, which is something full-backs struggle against with him.
A goal was the only hing missing from Madueke’s display against Aston Villa.
Speaking via BBC Sport last night, Dion Dublin hailed Madueke for his role in Chelsea’s opener versus Villa.
We’ll be very surprised if the same Chelsea XI doesn’t get to start together again next Monday night for the Premier League fixture away to Crystal Palace.
