Noni Madueke handed new role ahead of Mauricio Pochettino meeting as Chelsea audition awaits

Noni Madueke may not officially meet Mauricio Pochettino until the end of July depending on how far England get in the under-21 European championships. The young Three Lions are currently preparing for their semi-final clash with Israel after beating Portugal in the previous round on Sunday.

From four games contested at the tournament, Madueke has featured for a total 272 minutes alongside his Chelsea teammate Levi Colwill. After signing from PSV in the January transfer window, getting regular first-team minutes was proving to be a significant challenge for Madueke, but he enjoyed a strong run of appearances towards the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has since taken that into his campaign with England where he has continually impressed at right midfield which included scooping the man of the match award for his superb display in the final group game against Germany.

However, despite starting all four games in the same position, Madueke could be set for a significant role change due to the injury suffered by Jacob Ramsey. The exact formation that has been used by Lee Carsley is slightly unclear as the front six are mostly formed of either wingers or creative attacking midfielders.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Gordon often appear as the furthest forward as England attack with Ramsey usually appearing behind the two. With the Aston Villa star now ruled out for the remainder of the competition, Carsley could choose to deploy Madueke in that central role.

During his time at Tottenham, Pochettino technically deployed Christian Eriksen on the right but he frequently came inside to receive the ball and ping crosses into the box which in turn saw him become one of the best creative midfielders in the world.

READ MORE: What Noni Madueke is doing to impress Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea face tough transfer call

Madueke's frightening pace and footwork does make it seem as though it will be better for him to remain as a natural winger, but the tactical set up of England could see him show off his traits in a central position which may interest Pochettino.

Alternatively, Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe could be used in that position as he will likely be the starting replacement for Ramsey. Injuries have seen him struggle for regular minutes but it is highly unlikely he departs this summer with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta using him in an advanced eight role during training at London Coleny which could instead prove he is the better man for the role.

Nonetheless, Ramsey's absence will certainly open a crater in England's fluid attacking plans which could mean there is no direct replacement and both Madueke and Smith Rowe, if he starts, may appear in the position.