Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is backing new signing Cole Palmer to help the club get back into the Champions League spots come the end of the season.
Palmer has joined the Blues in a £40m deal from Premier League rivals Manchester City and has signed a seven-year contract with the club, with the option of a further year.
Madueke is well aware of Palmer’s skillset, having played with him across the various England age groups – including winning the Under-21s European Championships together in July.
And speaking after Chelsea’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over AFC Wimbledon on Wednesday, in which Madueke scored his side’s first goal, the Blues winger says he is excited by Palmer’s arrival despite the added competition it poses him.
“When you play for Chelsea, you play for one of the best clubs in the world. Of course there’s always going to be competition for places,” Madueke explained.
“Obviously we want to get Champions League next year so obviously we need top players in every position.
“We’re very close, me and Cole. We’ve been playing for England together since we were 14-years-old, so I welcome him.
“I know him really well. We won the Euros together in the summer, so he’s a great lad and a great player as well.
“Obviously he grew up playing in the middle, but he plays on the left and the right. It’s what the gaffer decides, but he’s a top player and you want top players coming in the building because it helps you compete.”
