Mikel Arteta referred to Noni Madueke’s opening goal for Arsenal in their Champions League win against Club Brugge, as “magic”. But, as he is well aware, it was not a spontaneous act. It is the result of repeated repetitions on the pitch. Madueke’s game has been honed by hours of individual work under the supervision of a personal skill coach.
The first session took place in the summer of 2021 during the offseason. Madueke then returned to PSV, where he scored six goals in eight of his first games, including two in the Dutch Community Shield, against Ajax.
Saul Isaksson Hurst explains this to Sky Sports. “I believe he was hooked then,” he says. It was intense work, and I believe he saw the benefits.
Use Chrome for an accessible video player
The Soccer Special panel’s reaction to Madueke scoring against Club Brugge
They only met during the summer when Madueke was at PSV, but since returning to London with Chelsea, and then with Arsenal where he picked up from where he left after a serious knee injury, they are now more frequent.
Isaksson Hurst says, “From my perspective that’s exactly what you want: a talented player who wants to work hard, and also improve.” He calls Madueke “a mental monster”. The Arsenal winger made an impression similar to this one.
His £52m move from Chelsea was met with scepticism by some supporters but he won any doubters over quickly.
Arteta said recently that the negativity was “like fuel” for him.
Use Chrome for an accessible video player
Mikel Arteta has recently revealed that the negative reaction to Madueke’s arrival made him more determined than ever to help the winger achieve success.
…
2025-12-11 14:30:00
