Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic has praised Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for his development this season, describing him as a vital figure in the Italian club’s defensive set-up.
The Super Eagles goalkeeper has enjoyed an impressive campaign with Udinese after arriving from Watford following a difficult spell in England. Okoye has recorded 10 league clean sheets so far this season, with his performances drawing recognition from his manager.
Runjaic said the 25-year-old had shown significant improvement in several aspects of his game and had become increasingly important to the team during crucial moments.
Speaking to Udinese’s official website, the manager highlighted the goalkeeper’s growth and maturity since the beginning of the season.
“Okoye’s progress is evident to everyone. He is indispensable for our defense,” Runjaic said.
“He has managed critical moments effectively and has kept us in contention on several occasions.”
The Udinese coach added that he was pleased with the Nigerian international’s current level of performance, particularly given the challenges he faced earlier in his career.
“I am very pleased with the level at which he is performing. We are aware of how his season commenced; it is challenging to prepare without the opportunity to play, but he has diligently worked on his development,” he said.
Runjaic also revealed that the club’s technical staff had worked extensively with Okoye throughout the season to help him improve.
“Overall, we are putting in significant effort with him; İnler frequently communicates with him, and the goalkeeping coaches are dedicated to his improvement; he is maturing,” he explained.
The German coach noted that players develop at different rates and said Okoye was now showing the calmness and concentration required at the highest level.
“Each player requires a different timeframe to develop and reach their potential. Currently, he is playing with composure, focus, and is consistently mentally engaged, both during matches and in training,” Runjaic added.
The Udinese manager went on to say that the goalkeeper was now displaying the qualities he had hoped to see since his arrival at the club.
“I am witnessing the Maduka I aspire to see, and I hope he delivers two outstanding performances in his final two matches as well,” he said.
Runjaic linked the goalkeeper’s form to the team’s overall performances, suggesting that strong displays from Okoye had helped the club remain competitive during difficult matches.
“If his statistics are strong, the entire team’s performance will reflect that. I am pleased with the phase he is experiencing; he is a good individual, calm, introspective, and he has also made significant efforts to address his past.”
The coach also reflected on the challenges faced by young footballers, insisting that mistakes were part of the development process. He praised Okoye for overcoming previous difficulties and continuing to improve.
“We are discussing young players; errors are part of this age. We continued to support him, and he was able to navigate a difficult situation independently,” Runjaic said.
“It was a complex scenario, but he is delivering exceptional performances. He is excelling and must maintain this trajectory,” he concluded.
