Jurrien Timber has heaped praise on an Arsenal player who has impressed with his performances in recent weeks.
The Gunners have enjoyed an excellent start to the new campaign, winning four of their opening five matches across all competitions, whilst conceding just one goal.
The latest triumph came away in Bilbao, as Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against Athletic Club, thanks to late goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Mikel Arteta’s new signings have integrated exceptionally well in the last few weeks, and Timber has singled out one of these reinforcements who he thinks has settled particularly well.
Jurrien Timber says he’s not surprised by Noni Madueke’s performances
Arsenal signed Noni Madueke for £52 million from Chelsea over the summer.
When news of the deal broke, Gunners supporters weren’t best pleased by the choice to invest such a significant sum in the player, but he’s quickly endeared himself to the Emirates crowd.
Madueke was outstanding against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and while he was slightly more subdued in the cauldron at San Mames, he still emerges with credit from the opening part of the season.
Speaking to the media after the game in Bilbao, Timber waxed lyrical about the 23-year-old winger.
“Yeah, he’s done amazing,” the Dutchman said.
“I knew him already from before, so I’m not surprised to be fair, he’s such a threat, and I don’t think anyone likes to play against him, he does amazing.”
Despite being a live wire in recent games, Madueke is yet to register a goal contribution this season, with his final pass still lacking quality.
The next step for the England international is to start producing more with his cut-backs and crosses, as well as driving inside and taking shots more frequently.
Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke are yet to develop a dangerous partnership
Another area Madueke can still develop is his combination play, particularly with the full-back down his side.
While he’s lightning quick and an effective dribbler, the former PSV Eindhoven man is yet to show that he’s able to combine effectively with those around him to create shooting opportunities.
Timber has developed a dynamic relationship with Bukayo Saka over the last 12 months, but the right-back and Madueke haven’t quite clicked as a unit yet.
There were a handful of occasions in the game against Athletic Club where the two players weren’t quite on the same wavelength, with Madueke either missing an opportunity to feed Timber on the overlap or vice versa.
However, this should come as Madueke continues to mature and the two players build chemistry playing together.
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