Martin Odegaard offered an insight into the integration of one of the summer signings at Arsenal.
Noni Madueke made headlines with a £52 million move from Chelsea to the Gunners in July, splitting the fanbase. However, he kept his head down, quickly turning around the minds of critics with his relentless attitude and ability to offer higher quality depth for Bukayo Saka as a right winger.
The 23-year-old suffered an injury in a 1-1 draw with Man City that forced him to sit out of action for two months, and he made his return to action in the 4-1 thrashing of Tottenham. Still awaiting his first goal for the club, Madueke made his mark only moments after switching sides to take the place of Saka as the right winger against Bayern Munich, converting a cross from Riccardo Calafiori.
The goal put Arsenal 2-1 ahead on the evening, and the reaction highlighted how he has settled in.
“Everyone was so pleased for Noni to get his first goal for us too. I’ve got to know him really well over the past few weeks as we were doing our rehab together.
“We had a very similar injury, so we’ve spent a lot of time together in the gym and around the training ground. I’ve seen how hard he’s worked to come back as soon and as strong as possible.
“His goal last Wednesday was massive for him, and well deserved. He brings a lot of energy to the team with a great sense of humour and always comes in with a smile on his face. He’s always working hard, just a top guy to have in the dressing room.
“He brings that energy and you can see that on the pitch as well. The way he plays he always wants to go forward, to take the ball and make things happen. He’s a great guy and a quality player.”
