Chelsea’s unearthed gem heralded by Noni Madueke – 'His time is coming, for sure'

Noni Madueke has named Carney Chukwuemeka as Chelsea's most underrated talent and one to watch this season.

Madueke appeared on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel to answer quick-fire questions about his club and teammates. The 22-year-old was asked to name the most underrated Chelsea teammate he has played with, to which Madueke claimed it was "so easy" to pick one.

He wrote 'CC17' on the board, and Sky Sports' Sam Obaseki said: "CC17. Carney Chukwuemeka, why would you say him?"

Madueke replied: "You guys don't know about this guy, man. I'm telling you bro, this guy's talent is unbelievable. I think he's probably the youngest player bar I think Mark is now younger than him, but he's probably one of the youngest for sure.

"But bro, this guy is unbelievable honestly - the frame, in terms of his physical prowess, his frame, he's probably like what 6"2? Wiry, strong, quick, agile, can tackle, can run and then the other side of the game is someone that size shouldn't be able to control the ball like he does and jink and beat people and take players out of the game - getting the ball off him is a myth man!

"Yeah, he's unbelievable and his time's coming for sure. I just can't wait to see it, that's my brother on and off the pitch so. Not biased though, he's really him."

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Obaseki then noted that Chukwuemeka had a bit of a breakthrough season during the 2023/24 campaign, adding: "To be fair, he did really kick on last season and then he got the injury obviously, and then it's difficult you know to [play well]."

Chukwuemeka scored two goals and assisted once in 12 appearances for Chelsea last season, before a knee injury sidelined him from December onwards. However, Madueke believes that everything happens for a reason and that his young teammate will get back to his best this year.

He added: "Sometimes those things are from God though man. Sometime's it's timing, you know, when you have setbacks it's difficult but a lot of the time in my career I feel like it's to teach you something or to make you stronger and he's what 20?

"Yeah, he's 21 in October so he's got loads of time and trust me, he's a baller. Everyone else is going to find out what I already know."