Noni Madueke has looked like a bright spark in the Arsenal attack since his big-money arrival from Chelsea this summer.
The Gunners spent £52 million on Madueke in July, and although many questioned Mikel Arteta for the signing, he has certainly hit the ground running at the Emirates.
Madueke was selected to start on the right flank for the 1-0 loss against Liverpool, deputising for the injured Bukayo Saka, who sustained a hamstring issue in the win over Leeds United.
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The 23-year-old enjoyed his most productive season in a Chelsea shirt last term, notching 11 goals and five assists in 46 outings across all competitions.
Noni Madueke looks on during Arsenal vs Leeds in the Premier League.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
And now, after making the switch to North London, Madueke has looked a worthwhile addition for Arsenal as he continued his impressive form with England.
Noni Madueke was one of England’s best players
Madueke shone against Milos Kerkez at Anfield, and it appears his most effective position at the Emirates, regardless of Saka’s condition, is on the right flank.
After he replaced his English teammate on the right side of the attack against Leeds, Gary Neville was impressed by Madueke’s display.
Thomas Tuchel selected Madueke to start the 2-0 win against Andorra, with the Metro awarding the Arsenal forward an 8/10 rating, writing: “Madueke looked bright early on with Tuchel setting up his England team to attack down the flanks. Pau Babot found him too hot to handle and was shown a yellow card in order to stop the Arsenal winger.
Arsenal players celebrate after scoring against Leeds United
Photo by Alan Walter – Arsenal FC/Getty Images
“He saw a shot blocked in the 17th minute, and his sumptuous cross led to the Andorra own goal from Garcia, which gave England a 1-0 lead. One of England’s best players, along with Anderson and James.”
BBC Sport followed with a 7/10 rating for the forward: “Like Rashford on the other wing, Madueke looked to take his man on at every opportunity. Drew an early yellow card in another positive appearance in an England shirt. It was his cross that was headed into the Andorra net for the opening goal.”
The Gunner is certainly laying down a marker for club and country ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Mirror also awarded a 7/10 rating and believes Madueke is already a candidate to be on the plane to North America: “Lively down the right. He is definitely nailing down a World Cup place.”
How did Noni Madueke fare against Andorra?
Although Arsenal teammate Declan Rice will undoubtedly steal the plaudits with his display on Saturday, resulting in scoring England’s second goal of the match, Madueke was in a league of his own.
Starting alongside another Gunner in Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, and the ever-present Harry Kane, he was undoubtedly England’s brightest attacking spark.
Noni Madueke vs Andorra Total
Touches 75
Pass accuracy 87%
Chances created 3
Shots 2
xG+xA 0.73
Dribbles completed 50%
Statistics provided by Fotmob.
Indeed, the only thing missing from Madueke’s performance was a goal contribution, but it wasn’t due to a lack of effort – he had two shots on goal and created three chances against Andorra.
With Saka expected to miss more football after the international break, Madueke has a surefire opportunity to force himself into Arteta’s plans should he continue his scintillating form into the clash against Serbia.