Noni Madueke names his ‘toughest opponent’ at Arsenal and Chelsea

Noni Madueke has revealed the ‘toughest opponent’ he has faced during his career so far at Premier League clubs Arsenal and Chelsea.

Madueke made close to 100 appearances for Chelsea after being signed from PSV in 2023, helping the Blues qualify for the Champions League and win the Conference League last season.

Arsenal agreed to pay London rivals Chelsea over £50m for the England international last summer, with a large section of fans sceptical about the value of such a deal.

Madueke has not been a guaranteed starter under Mikel Arteta but has still played a part in Arsenal challenging for the Premier League title and reaching the final of the Champions League.

The 24-year-old has come up against some of the best players in Europe but views Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as his ‘toughest opponent’ to date.

‘I would probably say Virgil van Dijk,’ Madueke told Sky Sports. ‘He’s just so big and fast so it’s difficult to get in behind him. I would probably say him, for sure.

‘Playing against players like that is good competition, you want to test yourself against the best, that’s the mindset you have to have going into the game.

‘It’s football at the highest level so it’s definitely fun to test yourself against those type of players.’

Discussing his move from Chelsea to Arsenal, Madueke added: ‘I just believed Arsenal were going to win trophies so that’s why I moved.

‘The England boys helped me a lot, I was already close to them so it was great. The whole club helped me though, everyone in and around the club was helpful.

‘It’s full of good people and people who want to work hard and achieve something. It was easy in that sense.’

Madueke’s Arsenal teammate Declan Rice is one of the frontunners to win the PFA Premier League Player of the Year award after a brilliant season in north London.

Asked whether he believes Rice deserves the award, Madueke said: ‘Yeah, definitely. I hope he wins it.

‘Look at how consistent he’s been this season. Those type of trophies depend on team success as well as individual performances but if we win I’m sure he has a real chance.

‘I’ve known him for a few years now and he’s a top, top person and a top player, he’s got a great vibe about him off the pitch and on the pitch he’s obviously a top player and a leader.’

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid last time out to reach their first Champions League final in 20 years.

Arteta’s side return to action on Sunday with another crucial Premier League fixture against relegation-battlers and London rivals West Ham.

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