Mikel Arteta Defends Noni Madueke Over Output Concerns

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has spoken out about winger Noni Madueke and, more specifically, the 24-year-old’s attacking output so far this season.

Arsenal signed Madueke from Chelsea for an initial £48 million which could rise as high as £52 million, but the England international is yet to reach the heights at the Gunners.

Madueke has played just 331 minutes of football so far this season in all competitions, scoring one goal in the Gunners’ 4-2 victory over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup third round, and registering one assist in Tuesday evening’s 3-0 victory over LOSC Lille in the Champions League.

The England international is often praised for his attacking prowess, dribbling and ability to beat a man, but often where he is critiqued and where fans become frustrated is his lack of cutting edge in the final third. Arteta was asked his thoughts on this in his post-match press conference on Tuesday following the victory over LOSC Lille, and whether it would be something he would be able to improve and overcome.

The Arsenal boss was asked how frustrating it was for Madueke to “get to the end but fail with the final action be that a cross, touch or shot.” The Spaniard was quick to leap to the defence of his winger, saying, “It is about generating volume and more actions and getting him into good positions because he will decide matches. He made a really big contribution a few days ago and tonight with the final pass,” referencing his assist for Jurriën Timber’s sensational opener against Lille.

Noni Madueke has shown glimpses of his capabilities so far in an Arsenal shirt, and has come up with some key, match-winning moments during his short spell in north London, including a vital goal in the 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, a winning goal over Mansfield in the FA Cup and a winning goal on the final matchday of the title-winning campaign in which Arteta’s side defeated Crystal Palace.

Not only is he well liked in the Arsenal camp, but he is also a consistent pick in recent England squads, albeit in a backup role to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon. Madueke has played a total of 16 times for the senior England side, netting once for the Three Lions in a UEFA Nations League B fixture, a 2-0 victory over Finland.

Madueke will turn 25 in March and has the opportunity to continue developing under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. His move to the club provides him with access to an environment focused on player development and competition for places. With the Gunners competing across multiple competitions, squad rotation is likely to provide opportunities for Madueke to feature throughout the season.

His playing time will depend on factors including his performances, form, fitness and Arteta’s selection decisions, but there are very few other places in world football where an evidently raw talent is able to learn and nurture their skillsets with such experience and focus on tactical awareness and development.

Madueke has the ability to operate on both flanks, and so the current injury to Christos Tzolis has opened up an opportunity for him to stake his claim to be a starter for the foreseeable future, though he has healthy competition with Eberechi Eze for this role. That being said, contributing with goals and assists will only strengthen his case further.