Maduka Okoye has received major praise from Kosta Runjaic after another impressive season with Udinese Calcio in the Serie A.
The Udinese manager spoke ahead of the club’s meeting with U.S. Cremonese and highlighted the goalkeeper’s importance to the team’s defensive structure.
Runjaic praised Okoye’s mentality, maturity, and ability to produce decisive saves during difficult moments this season.
The Nigerian international has recorded 10 league clean sheets this campaign. He has also become one of Udinese’s most reliable performers after recovering from a difficult start to the season.
His recent displays helped the club remain competitive in several tight fixtures as the campaign entered its closing stages.
Speaking about the goalkeeper’s progress, Runjaic said:
“The evolution of Okoye is there for all to see. He is important for our defensive phase, he interpreted the decisive moments well and kept us in the game several times. I am very happy with the levels on which he is expressing himself.”
The Udinese coach also reflected on the challenges Okoye faced earlier in the season.
“We know how his season began, it’s not easy to do the preparation without being able to play, but he has worked a lot on himself.”
Runjaic revealed that the club continued supporting the Nigerian goalkeeper throughout the difficult period. He explained that sporting director Gökhan İnler and the coaching staff worked closely with the former Watford player.
“In general we are working a lot with him, Inler talks to him often, the goalkeeper coaches work a lot with him, he is maturing.”
Runjaic believes Okoye now plays with greater confidence and concentration both during matches and training sessions.
“Each player needs a different period to mature and reach his level, now he is playing calmly, concentrated, he is always mentally present, both in the game and in training.”
The German tactician also expressed hope that the Super Eagles goalkeeper would finish the season strongly.
“I’m seeing the Maduka I want to see and I hope they put in two great performances in the last two games as well.”
Runjaic ended by applauding Okoye’s character and resilience after overcoming difficult moments in his career.
“We are talking about young guys, it happens to make mistakes at this age, we continued to support him and then on his own he was able to get out of a complicated situation, providing excellent performances. He is doing very well and must continue like this.”
Okoye will now aim to maintain his strong form and help Udinese finish the season positively with two important matches remaining.
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