Mikel Arteta will be extremely disappointed by what Thomas Tuchel just said about ‘unplayable’ Arsenal star

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Arsenal have four players currently away with England on international duty.

The Gunners have lacked a presence in the Three Lions’ squad in recent times, with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice the only two stars to regularly be picked by Gareth Southgate.

However, Tuchel has taken a liking to Myles Lewis-Skelly, while new signings Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are perennial figures in the squad nowadays.

All four players started against Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday afternoon, and despite claiming all three points, the England boss had some harsh words for one of the Arsenal stars.

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Thomas Tuchel said Noni Madueke ‘falls asleep’ at times

Bukayo Saka is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, and Madueke was subsequently handed a start for England against Andorra on the right wing.

The Three Lions strolled to victory over the microstate, winning 2-0 courtesy of an own goal and a header from Rice.

Madueke impressed with his performance, creating England’s three biggest chances on the night as he constantly looked to drive at the Andorra defence and make things happen.

However, Tuchel was frustrated with one specific aspect of the winger’s performance.

Asked to comment on Madueke’s display on ITV after the game, the former Chelsea manager said: “Yes, that’s what he needs to give. He sometimes has a lack of concentration or falls asleep in counter-pressing, but if he pushes himself, he can be a very important player.

“Bukayo [Saka] at the moment is injured for Arsenal and us, so that is what he needs to do.”

Given how important counter-pressing is to Arsenal’s system, Mikel Arteta will be extremely disappointed by Tuchel’s comments on Madueke.

The Spaniard will need to ensure that this isn’t a deficiency in the 23-year-old’s game, otherwise the Gunners’ entire defensive structure could be at risk of collapsing.

Madueke has been described as ‘unplayable’ in the past, but he must make sure that he’s up to speed with his defensive responsibilities.

What Thomas Tuchel said about Eberechi Eze

Eze started as a right-sided number ten against Andorra.

Usually a left-sided forward, the new Arsenal player struggled to impact the game consistently, finding it difficult to influence proceedings in the final third against a packed defence.

However, he was effective at finding himself in dangerous positions inside the box, getting on the end of three England moves and spurning three promising chances.

“Maybe Ebz [Eze] didn’t have his best day in the No.10 position,” Tuchel said after the game.

“He trained so well in the decision-making, but struggled a little bit. The last pass from Noni, the last decision from Noni wasn’t clinical enough and Marcus Rashford had some good moments, but couldn’t finish them with a clinical assist.”