Perhaps Noni Madueke was better off away from Tottenham after all.
Because while the prodigiously gifted Troy Parrott is scrapping for points on loan at Millwall – his future up in the air after failing to earn the trust of Jose Mourinho – an England U18 international is chasing records and banging in goals after rejecting a contract at the north London giants (Sun).
Remarkably, Madueke has averaged more than one goal or assist per game this season. In 15 matches across all competitions, he has scored eight himself and set up a further eight for his PSV Eindhoven teammates.
And while such impressive statistics will inevitably come under scrutiny in a league where defending appears optional, Madueke’s stunning emergence on the Eredivisie stage shouldn’t be downplayed.
Aged just 18, the London-born forward is helping to spark a title charge alongside World Cup winner Mario Gotze, German international Philipp Max and the much-vaunted Donyell Malen at PSV.
Madueke produced a brilliant assist for Mauro Junior during Satuday’s 5-3 win over Sparta Rotterdam and capped another fine performance with a goal of his own, controlling and dispatching a cross in a manner reminiscent of his mentor Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Only five players in PSV history have reached six Eredivisie goals quicker than Madueke.
Brazil legend Ronaldo, who honed his talents in Eindhoven before blossoming at Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Barcelona, is only narrowly ahead of Madueke in PSV’s record books (Voetbal International).
And while Spurs will be wishing their former U16 captain all the best, they’ll be hoping the similarities with Ronaldo stop there.
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