Noni Madueke has earned high praise from Declan Rice after scoring his first goal for England.
The September international break has been a time to relish for Madueke, who has proven himself to be one of Thomas Tuchel’s favourites.
If the Englishman’s form continues, it’s almost certain that he’ll be on the plane heading to the World Cup next summer.
After Madueke impressed against Andorra, the winger took it to another level when the Three Lions responded to their critics with a 5-0 win over Serbia.
Declan Rice praises Noni Madueke’s attitude after first England goal
It’s becoming more and more clear why Arsenal pushed rapidly to get a deal for Madueke over the line in the summer.
Deployable on the left and right, the 23-year-old is dangerous whenever he’s on the ball, always looking to trouble the opposition and drive into the box.
Madueke’s dribbling has been praised over the break, as has his mentality, with Declan Rice giving an insight into what the summer signing is like behind the scenes.
“He’s becoming one of the favourites because his mentality, his desire, his drive. Not many people see him behind the scenes what he’s like,” Rice said post-match, as per talkSPORT Daily.
| Noni Madueke vs Serbia |
| 1 goal |
| 91% pass completion |
| 100% successful dribbles |
| 2 shots |
| 4 duel wins |
Rice wasn’t impressed by Arsenal fans disputing Madueke’s transfer, and it’s clear to see why, having seen so much of what the forward does every day to be his best.
“I get to see him every day and we’re really lucky that we’ve managed to sign him because I think you see tonight how positive he was again,” Rice continued.
“He wants to drive at defenders, make things happen, he got his goal, delighted for him. So yeah, exciting times coming up for him because he fully deserves it.”
Tuchel made several changes to his attack that started against Andorra, but Madueke retained his spot, showing just how impressed the England manager is.
Madueke is most impactful on the right
Madueke arrived in the summer from Chelsea to act as a backup to Bukayo Saka and competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
Early into the season, it’s becoming so clear that the winger is best suited on the right, as seen against Serbia.
From kick-off, Madueke looked to get into an encouraging position high on the right flank, continually taking his marker to the byline before edging into the box.
It was just what Mikel Arteta would’ve wanted to see back at home, particularly as the right wing spot is Madueke’s as Saka continues to recover.
Few will return to Colney from international duty as satisfied as Madueke, who has proven a point to Tuchel.
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