Barcelona defender cites Chelsea star as one of his most challenging rivals

The 21-year-old Barca left-back, who has been capped seven times by Spain, crossed paths with Madueke during their youth football days and praises the winger as a 'talented player'.

England international Madueke has impressed for the Blues under Enzo Maresca this term, conjuring up five goals across 10 games in all competitions.

The west Londoners signed Madueke on a seven-and-a-half-year contract in January 2023, with Chelsea paying Dutch club PSV Eindhoven around £28.5m.

The 22-year-old has made a total of 56 appearances for Chelsea to date, with Madueke scoring 14 times and providing three assists over that time frame.

‘Another could be when I was in youth football against Madueke, who’s at Chelsea now,’ Balde told ESPN when asked to reveal his toughest opponents.

‘He’s a good player, I think he was at PSV then, it was another good game.’

Speaking in September, football pundit Jamie O’Hara tipped Madueke to start challenging Arsenal star Bukayo Saka for his spot in England’s first-choice XI.

‘He’s really stepped it up this season, and I like the way he’s so direct, always wanting the ball and making things happen,’ O’Hara told Grosvenor Sport.

‘I think Madueke could be a real game-changer for England, and I’d go as far as to say he could challenge Bukayo Saka for a starting spot!’

After Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United in their last Premier League match, Alan Smith declared that Madueke was now an ‘automatic pick’ for the Blues.

‘Madueke, almost an automatic pick these days,’ the Arsenal legend said on .

‘He’s got the confidence, the trust of his manager and he’s shown a consistency of performance.’