Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed Noni Madueke to play closer to his ‘highest level’ with regular playing time.
The England international had a difficult start to the campaign. He managed just 40 minutes in the Premier League and Champions League before the international break.
This contributed to him being dropped from the national team squad and also fueled speculation that he could leave next year, with interest from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.
However, the 24-year-old’s position at the club has completely changed since the season resumption.
A hamstring injury to Christos Tzolis saw him start on the left wing against Leeds United in the Premier League last weekend. He had a good outing overall with four chances created, including one big scoring opportunity.
Madueke also delivered a crucial cross in the lead-up to Riccardo Calafiori’s equaliser.
Against Lille in the Champions League, Madueke was tasked with operating on the right wing, with Bukayo Saka given a breather. He toiled hard and eventually provided the assist for Jurrien Timber’s opener.
Eberechi Eze likewise took his opportunity to score after starting on the left wing, but Madueke no doubt has more credit in the bank, having fared well in both appearances since the season restart.
Speaking at the press conference before the Nottingham Forest game, Arteta promised more opportunities for Madueke and said he could be playing closer to his ‘highest level’ in the near future.
He said (via Hayters TV): “The possibility to any player to give him two or three or four games in a row, I think everybody will appreciate that because they will get more familiar with the players, more minutes, more confidence.”
“And if things go well, that’s the ideal thing to do with all of them. He had a few and he will have more minutes in the next few games. So I’m sure we will start to see a closer version of Noni at the highest level.”
Madueke, who was signed from Chelsea for an initial £48.5 million, got a surprise start on the left wing against Leeds. We had anticipated Eze to get the nod in Tzolis’ absence, having started in the position already this term.
However, Arteta chose differently, having been impressed by Madueke in training during the break. The 24-year-old capitalised on the opportunity with a lively performance and started again against Lille in a different position.
Judging by the manager’s comments, Madueke now seems to have the upper hand over Eze for the starting league role on the left wing. The onus is on him to deliver consistent top performances to keep his place.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com