Mikel Arteta Reveals Best Player in Training After Arsenal Beat Leeds

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Noni Madueke after their 2-1 victory over Leeds United. It was Madueke’s first Premier League start for Arsenal this season and the first time he has started on the left wing since late March.

Christos Tzolis sustained a muscular injury whilst playing for Greece in international break, which has ruled him out for ‘a few weeks’ according to the Arsenal boss. In Tzolis’ absence, there was heavy discussion over who sold step in for the Greek international on the left side of attack. Many fans theorised that it would be Eberechi Eze who would be the replacement. However Arteta went for the more unconventional option and opted to start Madueke.

After full-time, Arteta spoke to the media and highlighted the performance from his wide man, he said, ‘Noni deserved the chance he got and he grabbed it. In training he has been the best player in the last ten days. Every time he had the ball he looked a threat.’

Interestingly, Arteta highlighted how much Madueke had done leading up to the game to get that chance in the first place, speaking highly of his character and willingness to make a serious push to start, even in an unnatural position.

Madueke’s performance was well deserved of the praise he received after the finals whistle against Leeds. Although the Englishman was not involved in either of the goals, he was very threatening throughout the 90 minutes. He created the most chances in the match with three, completed five of his six attempted crosses, had the most touches in the opposition box with eight and recorded the highest sprint speed at 34.6 km/h.

His sprint speed in particular is a big indication as to why Arteta chose to bring Madueke into his side for the injured Tzolis. Arsenal’s attack isn’t blessed with blistering pace, with most of the forwards excelling technically rather than athletically. That isn’t to say that Arsenal’s forwards aren’t athletic, but rather they lack that athletic speciality that Madueke brings to the side.

Arsenal fans saw Madueke use his speed regularly in the game, stretching the opposition’s backline with runs on the counter-attack but also going backwards towards his own goal as well. He ran tirelessly and unselfishly to help the team defend when possession was lost.

Since his arrival from Chelsea last summer, the 24-year-old has polarised Arsenal fans. His finishing has often been questioned and his decision-making has been poor at times throughout his first year at the club. However, many would struggle to deny the sheer threat that Madueke brings to the side through his speed, athleticism and dribbling. Some have suggested that playing Madueke on the left wing, as opposed to the right wing, might help simplify his game and maximise the £50million signing.

If today’s performance was anything to go by, it looks like Madueke could have a real chance at making a claim to stay in the starting eleven even when Tzolis returns from his injury. This was by far the most complete performance Arsenal have seen from him on the left wing, and if he can replicate this performance consistently, he has a real chance of making that position his own.