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As England came from behind to sail nervously past DR Congo, Harry Kane rightfully claimed all the plaudits. However, in the period when England were clawing to fight back, Noni Madueke was England's brightest spark on the right wing.
Noni Madueke was flawless against DR Congo. In the match, he proved his claim to be better in space. Registering three successful dribbles, more than anyone else in the match, Madueke proved himself to be quite the progressive player and the spark that England needed to carry them from midfield into attack.
Noni Madueke was England's bright spark in attack
Noni Madueke learned early in the game that he had his opposing number, Arthur Masuaku of Sunderland, on toast. Once Madueke proved he can beat his man in one-on-one situations, England began to use that channel much more.
Madueke served the end product that many who don't watch him claim he lacks. He created three chances for his teammates, the joint-most in the match, despite being hooked off at the hour mark.
- Minutes played - 61
- Goals - 0
- Assists - 0
- Expected goals (xG) - 0.04
- Expected goals on target (xGOT) - 0.00
- Expected assists (xA) - 0.85
- xG + xA - 0.89
- Accurate passes - 24/25 (96%)
- Chances created - 3
- Big chances created - 2
Madueke played just two-thirds of the game last night, allowing room for Bukayo Saka to come and prove his own point, but in that hour, Madueke proved yet again exactly why Tuchel picked him.
There was significant backlash over selecting Madueke. Many fans would have felt, understandably, that Tuchel had placed a special emphasis on bringing Arsenal players.
Indeed, Madueke hardly played for Arsenal, but he was always pretty excellent when he was called upon. He's carried that ability to show up when required into the World Cup, and now he's shutting a lot of England fans up. They would welcome being proven wrong, of course.
Next up, England face Mexico at the iconic Azteca. In all honesty, it wouldn't be a complete gamble to start Noni Madueke in that one, too.
There is no denying that Saka is the better player, but Tuchel doesn't need to fix what's not broken. Madueke is more than capable of starting for England, and if there is even the slightest concern with Saka's full match fitness, then it is better to avoid risk by starting Madueke instead.
Madueke has been the Arsenal player who's benefited the most from this World Cup. Of course, he's been played a beneficial card in Saka being rested, but Madueke's taken the chance and ran with it.
Quite literally, as his stats against DR Congo would suggest.
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