FLEDGLING MADUEKE TIPPED TO FLY LIKE FODEN

NONI MADUEKE has taken a route that is increasingly common for England’s brightest young talents — leaving these shores for greater first-team opportunities on the continent. The 19-year-old, who left Tottenham for PSV Eindhoven in 2018, has been named in Aidy Boothroyd’s squad for the Under 21 Euros. England’s campaign begins tomorrow, and Madueke (below) is expected to shine. He is a winger, and there are obvious comparisons to Jadon Sancho. Having excelled for Tottenham’s academy teams, he wanted a path to senior football. Even with Mauricio Pochettino in charge at Spurs, Madueke felt better served searching for that chance elsewhere and PSV were the beneficiaries. The Dutch giants had noted how he mastered the ball during the indoor Sonnenland Cup in 2017, where he was named player of the tournament. Madueke moved to Holland a year later. PSV made a fuss of him; the interview, the photoshoot — it was not your normal academy signing. This has been a breakthrough season. Madueke averages a goal contribution every 65 minutes — nine for himself and eight assists. He is often the first change off the bench to inject energy from the right wing. Ruud van Nistelrooy coached him for PSV’s Under 19s, and the former Manchester United striker is credited with improving his efficiency in the final third. PSV’s focus on tactics and team structure have moulded the explosive Madueke into a more rounded player. They need their wide men to know exactly where they should be in transition or when building from the back, and observers say Madueke’s understanding of the role has enhanced his overall output. Boothroyd said: ‘Noni’s certainly a very talented young man. He’s a little bit like Phil Foden last time, nobody had really heard of him until he came and played in the tournament. We’re hoping he can create even more positive attention. He’s got a lovely infectious character.’ Madueke — who is eligible for Nigeria — has progressed through the age groups with England and his development has come as no surprise. Some wonder if the cancellation of the U19 Euros scheduled for this season has accelerated his progress. The FA wanted him to have tournament football after a positive first full year in the Dutch top flight, and his experience of physicality in the men’s game means he is more than ready for the next step. Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood was yesterday ruled out with injury, but there is still serious talent — Callum Hudson-Odoi, Emile Smith Rowe and Ebere Eze — out wide and how Madueke is utilised will be of interest. That Boothroyd mentioned him in the same breath as Foden suggests he could have a sizeable role to play.