Noni Madueke is the perfect backup for Bukayo Saka. If he's good enough to play a rotational role for the Premier League champions and Champions League finalists, he's good enough to play that same role for England.
Thomas Tuchel clearly realised that Noni Madueke is a rapid winger who excels with the ball at his feet. It is not far-fetched to call him one of the best dribblers of the ball at the World Cup. This not only gets the best out of him, but those around him too.
This team is built around Harry Kane, and rightfully so. Kane is not the quickest player in the world, so he needs some rapid wingers alongside him to make up the ground and provide him with crosses; this is something that Noni Madueke and the likes of Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford can do.
Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka are opposites that attract
Arsenal learned early on that Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka are completely different players, but this is why they work in the same squad. Where Saka would prefer to cut inside, Noni Madueke is a traditional winger who is happy to play the provider.
When Madueke gets possession of the ball, his first thought is to run at opposing full-backs. He doesn't just run, either; he runs with pace and a sense of urgency about him.
This is going to prove pivotal to England, particularly in the group stage games. As they reach the end of matches, and full-backs become tired, the last thing they'll want is to have the energetic Madueke running at them.
The crystal clear reason Thomas Tuchel wants Noni Madueke at the World Cup
Thomas Tuchel is receiving a lot of backlash for his squad selection, but that's not new. They point to Madueke being the back-up option at Arsenal as a reason why he can't make the team at England, which is ludicrous. He is used to playing a second-option role, and occupying it well without throwing a tantrum. He comes on and proves a point, and England fans will know about it soon.
Tuchel likes Madueke. He's made no secret that he's one of his favourites, and there has to be a reason for it.
In a tournament like the World Cup, the squad is everything. It's not just about the starting eleven. Tuchel needs players who can run at tired legs, who can adapt to meet the game where it's at and who are happy to sit on the bench until the time is right. Madueke is simply that guy.
