“It’s crucial”: Udinese coach praises Okoye

Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic has praised Maduka Okoye’s remarkable rise at the club.

Okoye has turned heads with his impressive performances for the Zebras this season.

The Nigerian international has kept 10 clean sheets in 28 league games for the Serie A club.

“Okoye’s evolution is clear for everyone to see. He is crucial for our defense; he has interpreted key moments well and kept us in the game several times. I am very happy with the level he is performing,” Runjaic told the club’s official website.

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“We know how his season started; it’s not easy to prepare without being able to play, but he has worked hard on himself. In general, we are working hard with him; Inler talks to him often, the goalkeeping coaches work hard with him; he is maturing.

“Each player needs a different period to mature and reach their level, now he is playing calmly, focused and always mentally present, both in games and in training.

“I’m seeing the Maduka I want to see and I hope he also puts in two great performances in his last two games. If his statistics are good, those of the whole team are too. I’m happy with the moment he’s going through; he’s a good guy, calm, introverted and he’s also worked hard in his past.

“We are talking about young players; mistakes happen at this age; we continued to support him and then he was able to get out of a difficult situation on his own.” complicated situation, offering excellent performances. “He is doing very well and should continue like this.”