Arsenal - Gary Neville
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Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has admitted he underestimated Noni Madueke’s potential, praising the Arsenal winger’s blistering start to life at the Emirates and even likening him to Dutch legend Arjen Robben.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville confessed the £52 million summer signing from Chelsea has exceeded his expectations.
“He’s a lot better than I thought,” Neville said on Sky Sports’ The Gary Neville Podcast.. “A couple of runs that he made for England on Tuesday night were a different level. They’re runs… Arjen Robben used to make those runs against me.”
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Neville, who faced Robben during his Premier League career, explained the difference Madueke’s style of play makes for defenders.
Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images)
“Sometimes you play against a winger and you know they’ve got a trick. Then you’ve got players who are a step above, a level above. I’m not saying Madueke is there yet, but his movement and the things he’s doing are very, very good. From a full-back’s perspective, it’s tough to deal with.”
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The England international has quickly established himself in Mikel Arteta’s squad since leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer. Although he has yet to register a goal or an assist in four appearances for Arsenal this season, he has brought pace and unpredictability that have helped the Gunners stay top of the table.
Madueke’s career path has been anything but straightforward. A product of Tottenham’s academy, he moved to PSV Eindhoven before Chelsea brought him back to England in 2023. However, a lack of consistency saw him struggle to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge. His transfer to Arsenal appears to have reignited his confidence, with early performances pointing towards a breakout season.
Neville also reserved praise for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, describing both players as talents capable of reaching the highest level. But it was Madueke who stood out most for the Sky Sports pundit, who admitted the Arsenal man has surprised him with the impact he is making.
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