Maduka Okoye has earned glowing praise from Kosta Runjaic, with the Udinese Calcio manager describing the Nigerian goalkeeper as a vital figure in the club’s defensive setup.
Okoye, who joined Udinese after a difficult spell at Watford, has enjoyed an impressive campaign, registering ten league clean sheets this season.
Speaking ahead of Udinese’s clash against U.S. Cremonese, Runjaic highlighted the goalkeeper’s development, composure, and growing influence within the team, noting that his interventions have played a crucial role in keeping the side competitive in several matches.
“Okoye’s evolution is clear for all to see. He’s crucial for our defence,” Runjaic said to Udinese's official website. “He has interpreted key moments well and kept us in the game several times.”
The German tactician also expressed satisfaction with Okoye’s current level of performance, especially after the challenging start to his campaign following a suspension linked to a sports betting investigation.
“I’m very happy with the level he’s performing at. We know how his season started; it’s not easy to prepare without being able to play, but he’s worked hard on himself,” he revealed.
Runjaic further explained that the club had invested significant effort into Okoye’s development, revealing that sporting director Gökhan İnler has maintained regular conversations with the Nigerian international, while the goalkeeping coaches have also continued to work closely with him.
“Overall, we’re working hard with him; İnler talks to him often, the goalkeeping coaches work hard with him; he’s maturing,” he added.
“Every player needs a different period to mature and reach their level. Now he’s playing calmly, focused, and always mentally present, both in matches and in training.”
Runjaic added that he is finally seeing the version of Okoye he always expected and expressed hope that the goalkeeper would finish the season strongly.
“I’m seeing the Maduka I want to see, and I hope he puts in two great performances in his last two games as well,” he said.
The Udinese boss also described the Nigerian goalkeeper as calm, hardworking, and resilient, praising him for overcoming difficult moments in his career.
“If his stats are good, the whole team’s are good too. I’m happy with the moment he’s going through; he’s a good guy, calm, introverted, and he’s also worked hard on his past.
“We’re talking about young players; mistakes happen at this age. We continued to support him, and then he was able to get out of a tough situation on his own. It was a complicated situation, but he’s providing excellent performances. He’s doing very well and must continue like this,” he concluded.
Adeyemi Adewale
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