Former Premier League star Micah Richards has said that Noni Madueke looks like a new player following his move to Arsenal from Chelsea last summer.
The England international signed for the Gunners from the Blues for an initial £48.5 million in July, and he has caught the eye with his performances.
Madueke has just one goal for the club against Bayern Munich thus far, but he has impressed with his dribbling, strong physique and link-up play.
The 23-year-old had a lively start against Brentford on Wednesday. He played a crucial part in Ben White’s assist for Mikel Merino’s goal after a brilliant piece of skill.
The right-sided winger had another big scoring chance, but could not beat goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Madueke struggled towards the end of the half with poor crosses from corners, but Richards said that the link-up play between White and Madueke was very good.
The former Manchester City defender added that Madueke ‘looks like a new player’ under manager Mikel Arteta, and he is ‘really playing well’ at the moment.
He said on the Rest is Football podcast: “I thought the link-up between White and Madueke down that side was very good. Madueke looks like a new player.
“He came from Chelsea. A lot of question marks maybe because everyone expected him [Mikel Arteta] to get a striker in and they went for him early doors, but he’s really playing well now.”
Madueke, valued at £44 million by Transfermarkt, had a bright start to his Arsenal career before being sidelined with a knee injury. He has returned in the same vein of form after a two-month lay-off.
His match-defining goal against Bayern last week silenced many critics, and he now needs to make more goal contributions when he gets on the pitch for the Gunners.
Against Brentford, the former Blues man won six out of 10 duels contested with a 100 percent aerial success rate (2/2). He also completed two dribbles with two interceptions and one tackle.
He is likely to drop to the bench when the Gunners face Aston Villa in Saturday’s early kick-off on the road. Bukayo Saka should return on the right wing after starting on the bench midweek.
We anticipate Eberechi Eze to start on the left wing, given his track record against the Villans.
Madueke could still have a role to play, having also shone against the Villans in the past. The winger has accumulated one goal and three assists from his five meetings against the Midlands outfit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com