Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he was not impressed with Noni Madueke's attitude to life at Chelsea before his recent impact in the first team.
During a chaotic second half of 2022-23, the lively performances of Madueke were one of the few positives having made the switch from PSV Eindhoven in January.
However, for much of the first half of 2023-24, now under Pochettino, the England Under-21 international has often been overlooked, leading to speculation over a loan exit.
Up until Christmas Eve, Madueke had featured for just 119 minutes in the Premier League, but he has since been provided with three outings in succession.
As well as scoring a match-winning penalty against Crystal Palace on December 27, Madueke scored Chelsea's second during the 3-1 victory over Luton Town three days later.
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While Pochettino is expected to rotate his wingers for Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Preston North End, the perception is that Madueke is now first choice on the right flank.
Nevertheless, as quoted by the Evening Standard, Pochettino has acknowledged that it has taken him several months to be won over by the attacker.
The Argentine said: "I am so happy, it took him nearly six months to realise what we expect from him. Players need to improve and he is improving a lot.
"His behaviour now and how he has committed to himself first, and with the rest of the ideas from the club.
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"He has potential and talent in the way that he needs to do the things and behave in the future if he wants to succeed.
"That is the platform for everyone and then it is about being right in your mind and be consistent in the way we propose they behave."
Madueke now has three goals from his three starts and eight substitute outings in all competitions this season, with the expectation being that he will be heavily involved in an upcoming schedule that also includes an EFL Cup semi-final versus Middlesbrough.
Unlike some clubs who may only have a maximum of three games in January, Chelsea will have at least five fixtures, starting with the encounter against Preston.
Darren Plant
