Noni Madueke answers questions in an England presser.
Noni Madueke answers questions in an England presser.

Madueke shares honest opinion on whether he’s ready to compete with Saka for England starting berth

Noni Madueke has revealed he doesn’t look at Bukayo Saka as competition when asked if he was ready to rival the Arsenal star for an England starting berth.

Madueke’s good start to the season for the Blues saw him make his debut for the Three Lions in September’s 2-0 win against Finland at Wembley in the Nations League.

It was a debut to remember for the winger as he assisted Harry Kane for one of the Bayern Munich striker’s goals, and he’s since won a further two caps for his country.

Madueke doesn’t view Saka as competition

Madueke came in for criticism after he was substituted against Arsenal and went straight down the tunnel, and Rio Ferdinand labelled him as disrespectful.

The winger has since explained why he went down the tunnel and it appears the matter is now closed and people can move on.

The 22-year-old started for England on Thursday night against Greece and assisted Ollie Watkins for the opener as the Three Lions ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.

Noni Madueke in action for England against Finland. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Noni Madueke playing for England against Finland. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Madueke has established himself in the England squad under interim coach Lee Carsley, and it will be interesting to see if he continues to get opportunities under Thomas Tuchel.

England are blessed for options in the wide areas and there’s plenty of competition for places, and Madueke was recently asked whether he felt could compete with Saka for a starting berth.

“I don’t look at Bukayo like competition,” he said as quoted by Mail Sport.

“I look at Bukayo as a team-mate who plays for England. I know his quality and he is a player that I look at to try and implement parts of his game into mine.

“I don’t look at him like, “I am coming for you”. The manager will make his decision and I am happy to be part of this team, and to start to make a difference for England this early on in my career is great.

“I feel like I did my job. I created the first goal and I was a threat pretty much until I came off. That is what I try to bring every time I step on the pitch.”

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