Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze appears to be regaining the trust of AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli following his inspiring form these past few weeks.
Chukwueze completed a big money move to the San Siro in July 2023, with the Rossoneri forking out a fee of €20 million and €8 million in potential add-ons to prise him away from Villarreal.
While the 24-year-old was tipped to hit the ground running in Italy after the promise he showed in Spain, his settlement at his new club didn’t go according to plan and he struggled to reproduce his form of old.
This has led to Chukwueze being in and out of AC Milan’s starting line-up and falling behind in the pecking order, with Pioli preferring Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic as his wingers. However, the Nigerian has been in great form in recent weeks, putting him back in favour with his manager.
Pioli could consider shifting Pulisic to the middle to accommodate Chukwueze
Chukwueze’s upturn in fortunes started just before the March international break when he came off the bench to score in AC Milan’s 3-1 victory over Verona. It was the Nigerian’s first Serie A goal since joining the Rossoneri.
The winger’s inability to get into the Super Eagles squad for last month’s international friendlies against Ghana and Mali also proved to be a blessing in disguise, as he stayed behind to impress Pioli further in training.
As a reward for his impressive output, the AC Milan boss handed Chukwueze a start in last Saturday’s league clash against Fiorentina, where he played in his favourite right-wing position.
Although Chukwueze did not score, he was a constant threat on the flanks and helped the Rossoneri to maintain width. With AC Milan set to face a tough run of fixtures in the coming weeks, his excellent performances could just earn him an extended run in the starting line-up.
As it stands, the former Villarreal winger is in competition with Pulisic for the ring-wing position but his current form could force Pioli to shift the American centrally, especially with Ruben Loftus-Cheek – who usually plays as Milan’s no 10 – ruled out of this weekend’s game against Lecce due to suspension.
Pulisic is not new to playing in a more central role, having previously been deployed as both an attacking midfielder and a second striker under Pioli.
Chukwueze finally showing his quality at AC Milan
Meanwhile, Chukwueze’s form has earned him effusive praise from manager Pioli and teammate Leao. In the aftermath of last week’s win over Fiorentina, Pioli said the winger deserved his opportunity to play and described him as an important player.
“Samu [Samuel Chukwueze] has been well for a while, the goal in Verona did well for him as well as the not going to the national team [for the March international break], in order to train with us. He deserved the opportunity, he is a boy who struggled at the beginning. He is an important player for the team in all respects,” the AC Milan boss said, as quoted by Sport Quotidiano.
Chukwueze’s teammate Leao also acknowledged the Nigerian’s difficult start to life in Italy but said he was happy to see him finally showing his quality.
“Today, I have to talk about Chukwueze because he played a great game. I'm very happy for him, he had delicate moments,” the Portuguese forward noted.
April will be a crucial month for Chukwueze and AC Milan, who will face Lecce, Sassuolo and Inter Milan as they aim to close a nine-point gap to the top of Serie A.
The Rossoneri also have a tough test against AS Roma in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League.
Chukwueze, who has scored three goals and provided one assist since joining the Italian side, will be hoping to play a key role in the upcoming matches regaining the trust of his manager.
