Noni Madueke should have scored one of the best goals of his career for England.
The Arsenal winger was handed another opportunity to impress during England’s 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, and for a moment it looked as though he was about to produce something truly special.
Madueke timed his run perfectly, raced through on goal and then showed wonderful composure to round the goalkeeper with a clever touch.
With the net completely open in front of him, all he had to do was apply the finish. Instead, he struck the post and somehow failed to score.
It was a moment that summed up a frustrating trend in Madueke’s game, and Darren Bent believes he has found the perfect nickname for the Arsenal man because of it.
Who is Arsenal’s fastest player right now – Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke?
Darren Bent calls Noni Madueke Arsenal’s ‘nearly man’
Noni Madueke’s overall display against Costa Rica was encouraging.
He looked sharp whenever he received the ball, carried a threat in transition and caused problems for defenders with his pace and direct running.
That has generally been the story of his time at the Emirates Stadium so far as well.
The winger often does the difficult part brilliantly. He beats defenders, gets into dangerous positions and creates excitement every time he drives forward.
What has let him down too often, however, is the final action – Madueke’s chance against Costa Rica was the perfect example.
Everything leading up to the finish was excellent. The movement was intelligent, the touch around the goalkeeper was outstanding, and the opportunity seemed impossible to miss.
Yet somehow the ball ended up hitting the post.
Speaking after the game, Bent explained why that moment reminded him so much of Madueke’s season.
He said on talkSPORT: “That epitomised what I’ve seen of Madueke this season. I call him the ‘nearly man’.
“He always nearly does something (spectacular). The run through was brilliant, the time of the run. The little drag with his studs (was brilliant). The last part, which makes it spectacular, he misses the goal.”
If you could go back in time and sign Bryan Mbeumo instead of Noni Madueke for Arsenal, would you do it?
If Noni Madueke was clinical, he would be one of the best wingers in the world
The frustrating thing for Arsenal supporters is that Bent is not entirely wrong.
Madueke has almost every attribute you would want from a modern winger. He is quick, powerful, skilful and brave enough to take defenders on repeatedly throughout a game. Very few players can create separation from opponents as easily as he can when he is in full flow.
The issue has always been consistency in front of goal.
If Madueke could regularly convert the chances he creates for himself and improve his final ball, he would be operating at a completely different level.
That is perhaps why the Premier League champions signed him. The raw tools are there for him to become one of the best wingers in world football. If he can add a ruthless edge to his game, the ‘nearly man’ tag will not last for very long.
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