Left for £0, now worth £40m: Spurs suffered huge howler over "very explosive" U21 star - opinion

If any Tottenham fans were keeping their eye on England’s U21s during the international break, then there must surely have been a tinge of sadness over seeing Noni Madueke shine so bright.

The former academy youngster began his career in north London, and actually captained the U16s before making his debut for the U18s at just 15-years-old.

But, in June 2018, he signed a three-year deal to join Dutch giants PSV, snubbing a reported offer from Manchester United in the process, and his career has only gone upwards since that move.

With nine goals and eight assists in all competitions last season, Madueke really took his game to another level with PSV in 2020/21, so much so that he earned a call-up to the England under-21 setup, where former manager Aidy Boothroyd talked up his potential.

He said: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link. He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

Former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte raved about the 19-year-old’s style of play, saying (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions.”

This campaign has seen him take yet another step in his development, with the now 20-year-old scoring nine times and providing five assists in all competitions, as well as showing off his versatility by playing off the right in his most natural position, and through the middle too.

When he arrived at PSV, he was worth only £540k but the England U21 international is now valued