It only takes a couple of minutes in the company of Noni Madueke to get a measure of his ambition and understand what truly drives him.
The Chelsea winger is determined to make a success of his move to Stamford Bridge after a frustrating few months since joining from PSV Eindhoven for £30.5million in January.
There was real excitement around the signing of Madueke but, barring a few impressive cameos late in the season, he was one of the players lost in the chaos at Chelsea.
However, his confidence in his ability to make it at the highest level has not faltered.
He says Chelsea will see the “real me” next season and insists he is ready to play a leading role for new manager Mauricio Pochettino as the club bids to challenge for major honours again.
First, Madueke has his sights set on a successful summer at the European Under-21 Championship. The 21-year-old from north London is in the England squad that starts its campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday evening.
Knowing Pochettino will have one eye on him at the tournament in Romania and Georgia, Madueke hopes this will be the start of better times.
“A lot of changes are out of the players’ hands, but you roll with the punches,” says Madueke of a turbulent season at Chelsea.
“I guess when the club wants to do something a bit special, there’s bound to be changes. We’re trying to create a squad that can compete for the next 10 years.
“I definitely performed well, showed my ability, but next season you’ll see the real me.
“Next season, I want to contribute massively to Chelsea winning. That’s it. We’re all buzzing to come back in pre-season with the new manager, forget last year and bring Chelsea back to where they’re meant to be; fighting for titles.”
Madueke is excited to work with Pochettino, a coach who has a record of developing talented young players into superstars.
“If he can make me better, I’ll be a very good player,” he says. “That’s exciting. I will never compromise the way I play — my game is already risky as it is. It’s about becoming as effective as I am skilful.
“Young players need a manager that can develop them further. You see Jude [Bellingham] made a move to Real Madrid at 19 years of age. It’s about how good you are. If you’re the best in yourposition, you play.”
Chelsea’s signing this week of Christopher Nkunku for £53m will only increase competition for wide spots in the team. But Madueke, a tricky winger with electric pace, insists he is relishing the fight to earn a regular starting place.
“If you ask Raheem [Sterling] or Mykhailo [Mudryk], they’ll tell you the same thing,” he says. “Top teams have that. Right and left you have three options. You want to perform because you have to.”
Madueke is part of a strong England Under-21 squad that includes Arsenal forward Emile Smith Rowe and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill. After the Czech clash, they will also face Germany and Israel in their group.
“To win the tournament has to be our target, and I think we can”, says Madueke, who is also targeting a senior England call-up ahead of Euro 2024.
“And if I play week in, week out next season, I will be in contention for a senior team call-up. I’ve spoken to Gareth [Southgate] and the door is open.
“Being a Chelsea legend, playing for England and scoring goals comes with it, but I just want to be seen as a player that inspired. I want people to look back on my career and think, ‘Wow, Noni was unbelievable’. I want them to be in awe.”
