Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has started his new chapter at AC Milan in style, with Ruben Amorim’s decision to deploy the Nigerian as a wing-back already producing encouraging early signs, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former Fulham attacker was named Man of the Match after helping Milan secure a 2-1 victory over Torino in their opening Serie A fixture on Sunday.
The Nigeria international provided the assist for Adrien Rabiot’s winning goal, while also showing a willingness to contribute defensively in a role that demands more than his traditional responsibilities as a winger.
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Chukwueze responds to Amorim’s faith
The Portuguese coach has shown considerable faith in the Nigerian by moving him further back, giving him responsibility on both sides of the ball.
Chukwueze believes that trust has given him an opportunity he cannot afford to waste after returning to Milan following his loan spell at Craven Cottage.
“He simply showed faith in me, and I think I need to make the most of it,” Chukwueze said in an interview with Gazzetta IT.
“I can’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – to return to Milan after the loan spell.”
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The tactical switch comes with obvious challenges. Chukwueze is naturally more comfortable attacking than defending, but his performance against Torino suggested that he is beginning to embrace the demands of his new position.
The Nigerian had previously admitted that Amorim has been demanding improvements from him whenever he makes mistakes.
“Every time I make a mistake, he tells me: ‘Oh, Chukwueze, this is what you need to do.’ So, I think I’ll improve before the start of the season,” he said.
Against Torino, those defensive responsibilities were much more evident, while his attacking instincts remained useful as Milan transitioned forward.
Samuel Chukwueze makes Milan promise
Chukwueze’s response after the victory over Torino was equally telling. Speaking to DAZN, the 27-year-old expressed his satisfaction with Milan’s opening-day result but immediately turned his attention towards maintaining the standards required in his new role.
“Now we have to look forward, but I’m very satisfied,” the former Villarreal winger said in quotes revealed by TuttoMercato.
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Quizzed about his willingness to continue operating as a wing-back, the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner made it clear that he is prepared to embrace the challenge.
“I’m ready, I can’t wait, and I’ll do it all season,” he added.
“I know it’s a difficult task, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it; I can do anything,” Chukwueze concluded.
His Man of the Match performance against Torino offers an early indication that Amorim’s gamble may have considerable merit.
Chukwueze has shown flashes of his ability throughout his career but has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly during his previous spell at Milan, but it looks like he’s very keen on proving the doubters wrong this season.
