Noni Madueke has just delivered some high praise on a Premier League star that previously played for Chelsea.
Blues attacker Noni Madueke, 22, has been discussing the toughest defenders he’s come up against.
The Chelsea right-winger had a decent impact last season, scoring eight goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.
Madueke has now spoken highly of a former Chelsea player now flying high at a rival club.
Noni Madueke hails former Chelsea player
Madueke has praised Manchester City’s Nathan Ake for his individual quality as a defender.
When asked about the toughest defender he’s faced, Madueke told Chelsea’s official YouTube channel: “I’m going to give it to Nathan Ake. I don’t think any of them have locked me up to be honest as in you’re in chains for the game. But I feel like I’m going to give Nathan his flowers. He’s a good defender. A good player.”
Nathan Ake is one that got away
Without doubt, Ake’s exit still stings when you see what he’s gone on to achieve in his career.
Chelsea sold him to Bournemouth back in 2017 for £20m (Evening Standard). This was after he spent five years on the books at Stamford Bridge, where he made just 17 senior appearances for the Blues and spent some time out on loan.
If you fast forward to the present day, Ake is now a key player for Man City.
The 29-year-old Dutch defender, who can play centre-back or left-back to an elite standard, is a vital part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
As a Man City player, he’s won nine major trophies since his arrival in 2020.
There’s no doubt that the former Chelsea man would walk straight into the current starting XI at the Bridge.