AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has heaped praises on Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze. The 24-year-old has garnered praise from his teammates and fans alike after his wonderful display against Fiorentina in Milan's 2-1 win on Saturday.
Chukwueze has flattered to deceive since his arrival from Villarreal in July last year, heaping a lot of pressure on him to deliver.
Brought in to compete with Christian Pulisic, the Super Eagles player could not provide the stern competition expected of him. This limited his game time and allowed Pulisic the luxury of being ever-present in the Rossoneri's starting XI.
But with his display against Fiorentina, he has served a timely reminder of his quality and how good he can be on a good day.
The 24-year-old, who joined Milan in a €19.5 million + €8.5 million bonuses deal, has had a difficult time settling in at the club.
Chukwueze shines as Pioli praises his impact
Pioli expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the Nigerian. The 58-year-old further commended the winger's positive attitude and dedication during the break.
Pioli also revealed that Christian Pulisic's fatigue almost led to his departure, but Chukwueze seized the opportunity and showcased his potential on the field.
The former Villarreal player's goal in Verona certainly did him a lot of good,” Pioli remarked in a post-match interview with Milan news. “He is a very positive guy; he stayed with us and worked well during the break. Then I have to tell the truth: if Pulisic hadn't confided to me yesterday that he was feeling a bit tired, I probably would have let Chris leave, but Chukwueze deserved this opportunity, which he exploited very well.”
“He is a player who will give us satisfaction because he has quality,” Pioli continued. “He needed more time to settle in, but he knows what we want from him and what he can give to the team.”
Milan are second on the league table, 11 points behind leaders Inter Milan, who have lost just one match this campaign.
What the statistics say about Chukwueze's performance against Fiorentina
Chukwueze boasted 44 touches, orchestrated two key passes, created one significant scoring opportunity, and directed a header on target, only to be thwarted by goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano.
On the defensive end, Chukwueze displayed unswerving determination, securing victory in four out of five duels whilst successfully completing two out of three dribble attempts, effectively alleviating pressure on his team.
He completed 22 out of 32 passes accurately, representing a 69% completion rate, while losing possession 13 times.
Why Nigeria snub was a blessing to Chukwueze
Chukwueze was not invited for Nigeria's recent international friendlies with Ghana and Mali. Speculations arose regarding his omission, potentially linked to his performance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) in Ivory Coast.
Opting to channel his energy into hard work and determination, the 24-year-old dedicated himself to rigorous training sessions with his club.
This decision to focus on self-improvement rather than dwell on missed opportunities could prove to be a turning point in his Milan career.
In Milan's victory over Fiorentina, Chukwueze's impact was unmistakable. His goal in Verona not only showcased his talent but also highlighted his resilience in the face of adversity.
Pioli commended Chukwueze's positive attitude and dedication during the break, emphasising the Nigerian's hard work and commitment to the team's success.
Teammates Alessandro Florenzi and Rafael Leão echoed Pioli's sentiments, acknowledging Chukwueze's determination to prove himself on the field.
Despite not being part of the national team setup, Chukwueze's contributions to Milan did not go unnoticed, earning him praise and admiration from both his manager and fellow players.
It remains to be seen if Chukwueze can replicate the same performance in Milan's subsequent games to earn a place in Pioli's good books and win over Milan fans, while also making a case for himself ahead of the Super Eagles' 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
