Noni Madueke has faced some of the Premier League’s meanest defenders. But one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Literally.
The Arsenal winger has named Liverpool colossus Virgil van Dijk as the toughest opponent he’s ever come up against and honestly, it’s hard to argue.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the 24 year old England international didn’t hold back when asked who gives him sleepless nights.
“I would probably say Virgil van Dijk,” Madueke admitted.
“He’s just so big and fast so it’s difficult to get in behind him. I would probably say him, for sure.”
High praise from a man who’s gone toe to toe with some of the best. But Madueke sees it as a challenge, not a deterrent.
“Playing against players like that is good competition, you want to test yourself against the best, that’s the mindset you have to have. It’s football at the highest level so it’s definitely fun.”
Why he swapped Chelsea for Arsenal
Madueke’s £50million move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates last summer raised eyebrows. He’d just helped Chelsea win the Conference League. He was settled. So why jump ship?
Simple. Trophies.
“I just believed Arsenal were going to win trophies so that’s why I moved,” he said.
The England boys helped smooth the transition. Madueke was already close with several of them. But it was the whole club that made the difference.
“The whole club helped me though, everyone in and around the club was helpful. It’s full of good people and people who want to work hard and achieve something. It was easy in that sense.”
Backing Rice for PFA glory
Madueke isn’t the only former Chelsea academy kid thriving in north London. Declan Rice has been nothing short of sensational.
And Madueke reckons his teammate should be lifting the PFA Player of the Year award.
“Yeah, definitely. I hope he wins it,” Madueke said.
“Look at how consistent he’s been this season. Those type of trophies depend on team success as well as individual performances but if we win I’m sure he has a real chance.
“I’ve known him for a few years now and he’s a top, top person and a top player. He’s got a great vibe about him off the pitch and on the pitch he’s obviously a top player and a leader.”
Chasing history under Arteta
Madueke hasn’t started every game. But when he’s played, he’s contributed. Arsenal are on the brink of something special.
A Champions League final, their first in two decades after beating Atletico Madrid. A Premier League title within touching distance. Twenty two years of hurt could be over in weeks.
First up? West Ham today. A London derby with everything on the line.
Madueke will be hoping Van Dijk isn’t waiting for him on the other side. But the rest of the Premier League? Bring them on.
