Zlatan Ibrahimovic was left unimpressed by Noni Madueke’s performance as England faced Norway in the World Cup quarter-final. The forward was selected to start the match, having surprisingly become one of Thomas Tuchel’s preferred players since the German took charge of the Three Lions.
Madueke has been trusted with important opportunities, but he was unable to make a significant impact during the first half. His performance led to him being replaced at the interval, with Bukayo Saka introduced in his place as England looked for a greater attacking threat.
Ibrahimovic criticises Madueke’s display
England eventually secured victory thanks to a brilliant individual performance from Jude Bellingham, but Saka made a stronger contribution in the same position than Madueke. The Arsenal attacker immediately caused more problems for Norway after entering the match.
Saka’s introduction helped England increase their attacking pressure, and they eventually won the match in extra time to reach the semi-final, where they will face Argentina. Madueke’s early substitution highlighted the difficulty he experienced during his time on the pitch.
Former striker gives his assessment
Speaking about Madueke’s display in the match, Ibrahimovic said via the Daily Mail:
‘They are playing with one player less so far.
‘Madueke has been on the pitch and I have to say every time he gets the ball he makes the wrong decision, and he’s walking on the pitch. If I’m Tuchel I change him, he’s done nothing in these first 45. Even the hydration break didn’t help… They played with one guy less.’
The comments reflected Ibrahimovic’s disappointment with Madueke’s performance during the opening period of the match. The forward struggled to influence proceedings and was unable to provide the attacking impact England needed before being withdrawn.
However, Madueke remains one of the important players in the England squad and could still have a role to play in their next match. His previous performances have earned him the trust of Tuchel, and he may have another opportunity to prove his value on the international stage.
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Zlatan was just being Zlatan, but TBH I can’t see how Madueke was selected for this World Cup when better players were overlooked. He’s not been a disaster and has held the spot without any match losing mishaps until Saka came on, but I doubt that he’ll start against Argentina.
Which better players though? I mean he’s holding that spot because among all the potential winger alternatives Tuchel had for selection, there just aren’t many better English right side players who fit a direct pressing system or have been performing at the level he wants this season.
Probably the logical alternative would have been Jarrod Bowen. Tuchel has already been playing JB in the team this year though, so he knows very well what JB brings. He ultimately preferred Madueke for system fit.
And as you say Jax, Noni has been functionally OK, if not a revelation, so Zlatan is just being Zlatan here, it’s a storm in a teacup.
What a load of b0££0cks. He was the ONLY England player taking players on and every time he got the ball, he had two players on him. He set up a great chance for Riley, who wasn’t ready for it. Yes he has to find a finished product but for me he has been no worse or better than Gordon, Rashford or Saka. When Saka came on, it took him 30 minutes before he tried to take someone on, at least Madueke tries to. If England were a man down because of Madueke, then Norway were as well because they put 2 players on him every time.
My reaction to Zlatan here would be like Bellingham’s when that ITV reporter tried to rile him up and create controversy. “Yeah well, whatever”!
I saw him contributing too. He wasn’t dazzling everyone with Messi-like or even Saka-like moves obviously, but no-one who knows what he brings expects him to. He held down his side fine.
Reggie,
I’m going to have to disagree with you on this one.
Madueke is one of the most frustrating players to watch. He promises much, but far to often delivers very little.
You say he has to find the finished product and that’s very true. But just how long are we meant to wait for this to happen. And if and when it doe’s, how often will it happen.
As I say, very frustrating to watch.
Agree but the article says he was anonymous, which he definitely wasn’t and was no worse than Gordon or Saka. He beats players, he takes players on, he only needs to get an end product in the future. Its all there just needs direction from his coaches.
Reggie,
I hear what you say, but come on now. He’s supposed to be a professional footballer with natural talent. He shouldn’t need a coach to teach him how to cross a ball.
While anyone can get a cross wrong, he does it far to often.
Yes, a coach should teach him techniques and control, that their job. The talent is there, it just needs fine tuning. He balloned a couple of crosses but set up riley. Saka balooned a couple of crosses and then put in a cracker. Why single out Madueke?
Reggie,
I’m not singling Madueke out, the article is about him.
The article is singling out Madueke?
oh he was Gordan got the assist and Saka had a couple of moments where his skill beats the lb and made chances
Madueke allot of effort but final ball is terrible
He put a great ball on a plate for a sleeping o riley. He beat as many players as Saka? Are you trying to give Gordan an assist for Jude Bellinghams solo goal😂😂 I am saying, he does not deserve to be singled out over anyone else. He is frustrating but he is also a menace, thats why Norway put 2 players on him.
not trying to make
he’s officially got the assist
go look at what Saka does in the 86th min while Saka also has a shot on target
your words he was no worse yet didn’t do those things
also if he was that good why was he subbed off ?
Madueke’s presence much less position in the squad has always left questions with me.
They obviously knew of Dowmans talent and we already had Nwaneri who undoubtedly is a more technical player than Madueke.
I don’t think he is good enough for Arsenal much less England. He has great pace but no footballing brain sadly for him.