Former England defender Paul Parker has expressed a strong opinion on the talents of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, claiming he offers more than Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Parker, speaking on Madueke’s qualities, praised the 22-year-old’s direct style of play and his ability to unsettle defenders. He pointed to Madueke’s impressive display for England against Andorra, describing him as one of the standout performers on the night.
“Despite the fact that Noni Madueke is one of England’s top wingers and was perhaps their best player against Andorra, Chelsea allowed him to go for Arsenal,” Parker said. “He came on after Arsenal fell behind against Liverpool, and I thought he looked pretty good. I believed it was an odd choice by Chelsea Football Club to let him go. With the way he plays, I believe he’s better than Bukayo Saka.”
Parker went on to question certain aspects of Saka’s game, suggesting that the Arsenal forward does not strike fear into defenders in the same way as Madueke.
“Saka does not play on the outside, does not have a good change of pace, and does not intimidate opponents,” he added. “Madueke does strike that fear into defenders because he wants to run at players and go past them.”
Saka has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most influential players and a key figure for both Arsenal and England, while Madueke is still developing his reputation at Chelsea. Parker’s comments, however, have reignited the debate over the qualities of both young wingers and who truly offers more on the big stage.
