Arsenal got off to the perfect start in their pre-season tour of Asia with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan.
Bukayo Saka got the only goal of the game but in truth, Mikel Arteta’s men dominated the encounter and should have won by a wider margin.
Max Dowman impressed Arsenal fans with his cameo appearance on his debut, whilst there was also some action for 15-year-old defender Marli Salmon.
Ethan Nwaneri played in a more central role during the game rather than off the right flank where he operated from last season. Another Arsenal player has also been training to play in a different role under Arteta this season.
Noni Madueke’s personal trainer planning for left wing position
Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Market Madness’ podcast, Coach Saul, the personal trainer of new Gunners signing Noni Madueke has revealed the player is planning for a position change.
Arsenal wanted to add firepower to their attack this summer and with the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in doubt, Madueke has been preparing for a role on the left wing.
Coach Saul stated: “I think we even tailor the program from manager to manager because each manager has a different way of seeing the game and different ways they want Noni to play.
“And obviously if you think about going to Arsenal, probably anticipating playing maybe on the left side a little bit more or probably a lot more. So obviously trying to get that into the sessions a lot more.
“So anticipating that and then trying to help him make that that transition as well. So I’ll probably, you know, probably do your test and play on the left wing a bit more. So the sessions should then reflect that.”
Madueke wanted to join Arsenal’s tour of Asia but was told to rest after representing former club Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The England international will be keen to hit the ground running in North London and could have a position change to get used to.
Noni Madueke’s attitude praised by personal trainer
Speaking in the same interview, Madueke’s personal trainer has also heaped praise on the attitude and character of the 23-year-old.
Coach Saul explained: “I’ve never met a harder working player in terms of his mentality in sessions, in terms of his general working mentality. And I’ve said this a lot, you know, when I’ve done a lot of press about Noni is that, you know, this guy, I’ve said a lot, he’s a mentality monster. He wants it so much.
“And, you know, we do our off season camps in Marbella or wherever, you know, while his peers are in the beach clubs party and he’d be on the pitch with me training, and I’m almost forcing him to have a day off.
“So, you know, I’ve worked at, you know, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal, we have a lot of players and a lot of players individually. I’ve never seen anyone work harder than this guy or more focused on being the best that he can be.”
Arsenal’s pre-season friendly at home to Villarreal is likely to be the first glimpse supporters get of Madueke in the red and white shirt, with his potential competitive debut coming at Old Trafford in the Premier League season opener.
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