Enzo Maresca questions Chelsea star's work ethic despite goal and assist during win
Enzo Maresca has called for Noni Madueke to be “much, much, much better” despite his starring role in Chelsea's last victory.
The winger scored and provided an assist in the 5-1 victory against Southampton on Wednesday night.
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However, his work ethic was questioned by the Blues manager after the match.
madueke prepare Christopher Nkunku to restore the visitors' lead after Joe Aribo canceled out Axel Disasi's first goal.
The England international then added a goal of his own to double the lead before the break.
But he was substituted in the 72nd minute, before Cole Palmer and its replacement Jadon Sancho added more shine to the scoreboard.
maresca He was not entirely satisfied with the 22-year-old's performance.
After the victory, the Italian explained: “Noni can do a lot more. When he scores, assists and is happy, he starts to decline a little.
“The reason I didn't play is because of the way I trained.
“When one scores, he needs to keep trying to score and help. Noni needs to understand that he has to work harder and that he can be much, much, much better.”
Madueke's exploits at St. Mary's have taken his tally for the season to five goals and two assists in 13 Premier League appearances.
It comes after he also turned provider in the win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
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Following a second win in four days, Madueke told talkSPORT's Ian Abrahams: “I could have scored a hat-trick today, quite easily.
“But a goal and an assist are fine, I'll take it. I'll go to the next game and try to help my team.”
As for playing with Maresca, he added: “It's been great for me.
“Not only in terms of the things I like to do, in quotes, scoring goals and beating players, but even in the less beautiful parts of football, the defensive part, being reliable.
“He's helped me a lot with that, so yeah, you have to give him credit.”
Wednesday's victory allowed Maresca's team to close the gap with the leader Liverpool to seven points after the Reds drew 3-3 at Newcastle.
Meanwhile, they could reduce the deficit further on Sunday afternoon.
The 'bleus' visit Tottenham in a London derby before traveling to Kazakhstan to face Astana in the European conference league in the middle of the week.
