Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that winger Noni Madueke is getting closer to realising his potential ahead of the Premier League game against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Gunners suffered a shock Carabao Cup fourth-round exit to Fleetwood Town in midweek, and they will be determined to make amends with a strong performance against the Reds.
Arsenal have not won at Anfield since September 2012, and they face a huge challenge on Sunday, particularly with right winger Bukayo Saka ruled out with a quadriceps injury.
In his absence, Madueke is the likely starter on the right wing. His form has been pretty good since the international break, and he could have a big part to play this weekend.
Speaking to reporters today, Arteta was asked whether Madueke is now realising his potential.
In response, the Spanish tactician hinted he may need to be more consistent to become an elite winger.
He said (via Arsenal.com): “He’s getting closer but he needs to do it and he needs to make that click, and that’s what the top elite players do. He has all the potential to do it, he has all the attributes to do it.
“He certainly has the will to do it because when you see him train every single day, he’s one of the players who enjoys the practice the most and wants to expose himself to all kinds of situations and actions.
“Now he needs to put the performance on the pitch.”
Madueke has a big opportunity vs Liverpool
The Englishman was ruled out for the midweek defeat at Fleetwood with an ankle knock.
He will be assessed in tomorrow’s full training session before a final decision on his involvement.
We believe the manager could be playing mind games, and Madueke should be deemed fit.
With Saka injured and Max Dowman suspended, Madueke becomes a vital figure on the right wing.
The £52 million signing has stepped up since the international break with key goal contributions.
He provided a fantastic cross from the left wing in the lead-up to Riccardo Calafiori’s equaliser against Leeds United.
Madueke followed up to register an assist for Jurrien Timber’s goal against Lille in Europe, which opened the scoring.
He went on to score the winning league goal at Nottingham Forest to secure maximum points for the Gunners.
Madueke has been equally good on either wing lately, but he has a big job on his hands on the right on Sunday.
He hasn’t scored or assisted against Liverpool, and he has the chance to do so and help end the club’s Anfield hoodoo.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com