Reported Leeds United and Leicester City target Noni Madueke was left on the bench by PSV Eindhoven this weekend, with coach Roger Schmidt questioning the winger’s professionalism and attitude, as reported by AD.
Just last week, Madueke admitted to ESPN that he had grown increasingly frustrated about his lack of game-time at the Phillips Stadium.
And it is fair to say the England U21 international hasn’t done his hopes of a regular starting berth much good.
Madueke, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United and Crystal Palace by the Standard, was left out of the XI as PSV brought the curtain down on the Eredivisie season with a 1-1 draw away at Utrecht on Sunday.
When asked why the one-time Tottenham young captain had been omitted, Schmidt certainly didn’t hold back.
“Noni did not give the impression of being ready (to play). Not during the training sessions, not last Thursday against PEC Zwolle. I couldn’t possibly reward him,” said the former Bayer Leverkusen boss, whose high-octane, intense style of football doesn’t really align with a player going through the motions.
“Noni has had a good period, but football is more than just having talent. You have to develop, otherwise others will catch up with you.
“If you want to play for yourself, you can play hockey or tennis.”
The message, then, is crystal clear.
Madueke has a lot to learn when it comes to understanding the importance of everyone pulling in the same direction.
The Mail claim that Brendan Rodgers wants to take the £15 million-rated forward to Leicester, having tried and failed to sign the 19-year-old for Celtic.
But if Madueke wants to shine amongst Brendan’s band of brothers, with the FA Cup winners showcasing their wholesome togetherness during those wild Wembley celebrations, he must take this opportunity to grow and mature as a man and a player.
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