‘Different level’, Neville praises Madueke, compares him to Arjen Robben
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Arjen Robben was the name on Gary Neville’s lips as he praised Arsenal winger Noni Madueke following the Gunners’ emphatic 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
The Gunners faced a tricky test against Forest, who recently appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new manager following Nuno Espirito Santo’s departure.
However, Mikel Arteta’s men produced a commanding performance, with Martin Zubimendi stealing the spotlight by scoring twice, one in each half, and earning the man of the match award.
His first goal, a thunderous strike from outside the box in the 32nd minute, announced his arrival to the Arsenal faithful in style.
While Zubimendi grabbed the headlines, Noni Madueke was another standout performer and has now been compared to the Dutchman Arjen Robben.
Operating from the right flank in Bukayo Saka’s absence, the £35 million-rated winger was a constant menace for the Forest defence.
He won 10 ground and aerial duels, created five chances for teammates, and completed five dribbles, showcasing his direct and relentless style of play.
Madueke’s impressive form has drawn praise from Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who admitted the 23-year-old has exceeded expectations this season.
Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast, “Madueke is a lot better than I imagined and thought he would be. And certainly a lot better than Arsenal fans thought he would be.
“A couple of runs that he made for England on Tuesday night were a different level, they’re runs I thought, ‘ooh’.
“They’re runs… Arjen Robben used to make those runs against me. I’m giving you players where they’re a sort of level where you think, ‘ooh, I’m up against it, this is a different type of player’.
“Sometimes you play against a winger and they’re dribbling at you and you know they’ve got a trick and you know that you’re going to be in for a different game, 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 that he’s doing are very, very good, and I’m talking from a full-back’s perspective playing against it.”
Madueke’s summer move from Chelsea was initially met with mixed reactions among Arsenal fans, but the England international is quickly proving his worth. His performance against Forest earned him a standing ovation at the Emirates, suggesting the Gunners faithful are beginning to embrace their new right-wing star.
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