Why Arsenal Are Signing Noni Madueke.

Where will he play?

Noni Madueke has recently become quite the polarising figure. My read of the situation is that Chelsea fans’ albeit rating the 23-year-old aren’t overly bothered by his departure due to an abundance of talented wide options; something that Arsenal lack. Nevertheless, the opinion regarding Madueke within North London is split. I side with the more optimistic supporters.

The predominantly left footed right winger looks to hug the touchline (shown below) stretching the opponents back four in order to create space for vertical runs in behind from Jackson or pockets for Palmer or Enzo to roam into. Once he receives the ball his first notion is to drive on the outside staying wide before entering the box.

Across last season’s Premier League campaign Madueke amassed a decent seven goals and three assists over 2,033 minutes. More specifically, he averaged 0.31 non-penalty goals per 90 and 0.13 assists p90; when comparing these numbers to his positional peers in the men’s top 5 European league he places in the 66th percentile and the 30th percentile respectfully. (Further stats shown below).

Slightly disappointing. However, his combined xG and xA shed more of a positive light as the 23-year old’s 0.62 expected goal contributions places him within the 87th percentile suggesting promise in his output.

Implied further by the fact that Madueke is incredibly shot happy; compared to the entirety of the Premier League his 3.54 shots p90 places fourth.

His Superpower

Madueke’s most standout trait is his strength in carrying the ball. Specifically, collecting the ball on the touch line in deeper areas, often using double movements to create space for himself to receive, then driving remaining wide until moving into the penalty area.

This is illustrated through his 6.82 progressive carries p90 (not only within the 99th percentile, but the highest amongst his positional peers) and also his 8.15 touches in the opposition box (96th percentile) underlines his relentlessness.

Areas Of Improvement

Madueke’s ability create however is underwhelming. Contributing to only 3.5 shot creating actions p90 (40th percentile) and 0.19 expected assists (48th percentile) implies a need for improvement in his final pass selection, often occasionally looking blinkered when carrying the ball. From a passing perspective the Englishmen is a dribble and shoot first winger, shown through just 0.35 progressive passes p90 (31st percentile) and 1.42 key passes p90 (32nd percentile). Whilst this is a weakness to his game, it doesn’t bother me hugely as context is important and his role within this Chelsea side isn’t to create through passes. Additionally, a 23-year-old winger has plenty of room to develop a more rounded profile.

Defensively, Madueke’s involvement remains minimal. He averaged just 1.11 tackles and 0.44 interceptions per 90 (33rd and 54th percentiles, respectively), and his aerial win rate of 0.49 per 90 places him well below average for a Premier League wide player. These stats reflect both a stylistic and tactical limitation: Madueke is not a pressing machine or aerial threat, and while he is positionally disciplined, his work off the ball must improve if he is to become a trusted two-way winger in top-level matches.

Best Position

Tactically, Madueke is best suited when playing in a ‘two ten’ system. Due to his positioning as a touch line winger, he stretches the opposition’s backline leaving space for vertical runs from deep or to create pockets in half spaces.

From a full back perspective, when on the right-hand side, he is best with an overlapping runner in order to generate space to cut in onto his left foot however, when on the left hand side, a fb who roams centrally and in deeper areas would be a better fit in order to create isolation in wide areas.

Verdict

Fundamentally, Madueke is a proven Premier League performer with a high ceiling to grow into. With elite ball-carrying and shot volume; a development of his decision making and a larger contribution out of possession could lead to the evolution into one of the most complete and dangerous wingers in the league.

Arsenal will be receiving a profile of forward who offers both stylistic variety and tactical flexibility to Arteta’s squad. Bukayo Saka’s near ever present role within Arsenal’s 11 has led to a need for a reliable rotation option, especially during the true crunch time of the season where Arsenal have struggled in the past. Madueke could provide this necessary cover without the system needing a dramatic alterations due to his shot volume, strong 1v1 dribbling and spacing leads to a winger who thrives whilst isolated and can attack the box.

Although Madueke doesn’t offer Saka’s passing ability or intelligence with the ball (see above) the former’s directness does suit a potentially more vertical and transitional style of play which can be utilised in differing game states.

On the left flank, Madueke offers an intriguing alternative to Gabriel Martinelli. While the Brazilian prefers darting in off the ball into spaces, Madueke’s preference is to receive to feet and carry into the box. This contrast could be valuable in matches where Arsenal need a more deliberate, dribble-heavy presence to destabilise compact defences.

However, there are tactical trade-offs. Madueke is not a high-output presser or defender, ranking in just the 33rd percentile for tackles and 54th for interceptions meaning Arteta would need to carefully manage his minutes in matches where defensive intensity is essential, however this could also be another part of his game that is developed. His assist rate (0.13 per 90) and xAG (0.19 per 90) also suggest that while he gets into dangerous areas, his decision-making under pressure is still developing, especially compared to Saka or Leandro Trossard, both of whom are more polished in final-third combinations.

Ultimately, Madueke’s raw tools would thrive in Arsenal’s attacking framework, he may not yet match the tactical intelligence or be the completeness of Arsenal’s current wide players, his elite dribbling and carrying of the ball, box penetration and athleticism make him a strong signing. With refinement he could evolve into a valuable player and a stylistic curveball.