Barcelona star Alejandro Balde names Chelsea winger as one of his toughest opponents
Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde has named Chelsea attacker Noni Madueke one of his three toughest opponents. The English winger faced the Spaniard while at his former club, PSV Eindhoven.
Balde spoke to ESPN about Madueke and the talents the Blues man possesses. He named him alongside Real Madrid's Federico Valverde and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise:
"When I was still in youth football against Madueke who's at Chelsea now. He's a good player, I think he was at PSV then, it was another good game."
Madueke has been displaying his talents at Stamford Bridge since joining from PSV for £28.5 million in January 2023. The England international has started this season with five goals in nine games across competitions, including a hat-trick.
Balde has faced some of Europe's most highly regarded attackers but clearly feels Madueke is a future superstar. His time at PSV drew the attention of many, as he scored 20 goals and 14 assists in 80 games.
Madueke's pace and versatility have caused defenders all sorts of problems. His impressive showings for Chelsea have recently earned him a call-up to England's squad.
Barcelona have a shining right-winger of their own in Lamine Yamal who is displaying similar playing traits to Madueke. They are two of Europe's most exciting young talents who could be hugely important for their nations in the coming years.
Chelsea were interested in signing Barcelona's Balde: Reports
Chelsea reportedly had monitored Balde's progress at Barcelona amid the questionable form of their defensive duo Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella at left-back. Spanish outlet El Nacional reported in March that the Blues were considering making a €50 million (£43 million offer for the young Spaniard.
Balde has been a mainstay in Barca's side under Hansi Flick this season. This suggests there's little chance of him departing Camp Nou, and he has just under four years on his contract.
Cucurella has shown vast improvement over the year, keeping Balde out of the Spain team at Euro 2024. Enzo Maresca may not require strengthening at left back despite Ian Maatsen's departure to Aston Villa in the summer.
That said, Maresca doesn't appear to be the biggest fan of Chilwell. The Englishman has lacked game time and been frozen out of the first team.
Balde has appeared 12 times across competitions this season, posting one assist. He debuted for the Catalans' senior team in July 2022 and has won the La Liga title and the Copa del Rey.