Noni Madueke’s coach has likened the Arsenal winger’s mentality to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Noni Madueke’s coach makes comparison with Ronaldo
England winger Noni Madueke left Chelsea for Arsenal in a £48m deal. Since then, he has faced plenty of heat from fans and pundits. Blues’ head coach Enzo Maresca had questioned his commitment in training. Even England head coach Thomas Tuchel suggested he drifts in and out of games.
Social media has also piled on, with Arsenal fans doubting whether he’s worth the price tag. But, Madueke’s personal coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, insists all the noise is just fuel. He calls the winger a “mentality monster.”
For Isaksson-Hurst, the winger has the same mentality as Cristiano Ronaldo. That is a trait that has made the Portuguese forward a legend.
Hard work behind the scenes
The personal coach has worked one-on-one with the Gunners’ winger for the past four years. Has even flown out with him to Spain for extra sessions during the summer. The spotlight has been on enhancing his one-v-one duels, sharpening his decision making in the final third. They were training in providing end product from passes, crosses and shots.
That tailored pathway complements his club training, and hopefully sharpens him into a match-winner. Madueke has long spoken of his respect for Ronaldo and what he embodies. That is not only goals, but the player’s mindset and the constant hunger to last the longest.
The expectation is that same mindset will spark North London and silence his doubters. He needs to show why the north London side spent big on him.
Author’s Opinion:
Madueke may not be at Ronaldo’s level yet, but his coach’s belief is telling. If he matches talent with discipline, the critics won’t matter. Now Arsenal really need is for him to turn potential into match-winning moments.
