Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s brutal Noni Madueke verdict is a blunt reminder for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta

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Noni Madueke has been heavily criticised by Zlatan Ibrahimovic after England beat Norway to make it to the World Cup semi-finals.

Madueke was given the start over Bukayo Saka but was pulled at half-time as Thomas Tuchel made changes.

Indeed, at the break, former Sweden ace Ibrahimovic slated Madueke.

“They are playing with one player less so far,” Zlatan complained on American TV.

“Madueke has been on the pitch, and I have to say every time he gets the ball he makes the wrong decision, and he’s walking on the pitch.

“If I’m Tuchel, I change him; he’s done nothing in these first 45. Even the hydration break didn’t help… They played with one guy less.”

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Of course, Madueke will be aware of these comments.

But from an Arsenal standpoint, this comment from Zlatan, plus how good Saka was when he came on, is a stark reminder to Mikel Arteta about this summer’s transfer window.

Arsenal need better than Noni Madueke to keep on winning

There was some surprise among the general fanbase in England when Madueke was given the nod.

Yes, he’d played his part in previous fixtures and his pace is a big factor in why he was picked.

However, yesterday’s dismal showing was an example of just how far he has to go in terms of being a top winger, while it also showed Arsenal might need to act in this window.

Much has been made of Arsenal’s pursuit of a new winger on the left-hand side. However, looking at Madueke this summer for England, there is genuine reason to think Arsenal might address both sides.

Without criticising the former Chelsea man too much, the difference in quality was obvious when Arsenal teammate Bukayo Saka replaced him. Saka drove at defenders, committed them to making rash tackles and created countless half chances for England.

On the flipside, Madueke often wasted the ball, his crossing was really poor, and as we saw, his overall work left Thomas Tuchel unhappy on the sidelines.

For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, this might well serve as a warning that while they might like Madueke, he’s simply not up to the standard needed.

Certainly, if a top right winger becomes available, then Arsenal simply have to get involved.