Chelsea star Noni Madueke opines Arsenal star is better than Barcelona's Lamine Yamal
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke believes Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka is better than Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal. Spain international Yamal came through as one of the brightest talents in the last year or so after his performances for club and country.
Now, the 17-year-old has been named in the shortlisted candidates for the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. Saka is also a part of this list, courtesy of his displays at the Emirates during the 2023-24 campaign.
In the previous season, the England international bagged 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances across competitions. When asked to choose the better player between Saka and Yamal, Chelsea star Madueke said (via TBR Football):
"Saka."
Bukayo Saka has also started the new season extremely well, bagging a goal and three assists in the Gunners' first three Premier League matches. Similarly, Yamal has also gotten off to a wonderful start, scoring once and assisting on four occasions in Barcelona's first four La Liga matches.
Despite Madueke's preferences, both players are widely considered among the best wingers in the world and are nailed-down starters on the right-hand side. Yamal will return to league action with the Blaugrana when they face Girona on September 15 after the international break.
Meanwhile, the Gunners travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a north London derby on September 15. Arsenal are fourth on the league standings, two points behind leaders Manchester City.
On the other hand, Barcelona are at the top of the Spanish top-flight standings, four points clear of Real Madrid, who are second.
Ex-Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara says Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka could lose his England spot to Chelsea's Noni Madueke
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie O’Hara believes Arsenal man Bukayo Saka's starting position in the England squad is under threat after the emergence of Noni Madueke.
The Chelsea winger has started his club's last two Premier League matches, scoring three goals in the process. He's looked threatening and has now been named in The Three Lions squad for the current international break.
Speaking about Madueke, O'Hara told Grosvenor Sport (via Metro):
"I think Madueke could be a real game changer for England, and I'd go as far as to say he could challenge Bukayo Saka for a starting spot."
England will be up against Ireland on Saturday (September 7) as they kickstart their UEFA Nations League campaign. After this, they play Finland on Tuesday (September 10).