Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze continued with his fine run of form on Saturday by providing an assist in AC Milan’s 3-0 win over Lecce in Serie A.
The former Villarreal star struggled to adjust to his new surroundings following his big-money move but has turned things around in recent weeks with a series of impressive performances.
Chukwueze was handed his second successive start in as many months after commanding a starting role in last week’s victory over Fiorentina. The 24-year-old started on the right side of an attacking trident that was tasked with supporting Olivier Giroud up top.
The former Villarreal winger grabbed his chance with both hands and although he did not get on the score sheet, he was the creator of the Rossoneri’s opening goal after setting up Christian Pulisic.
Receiving the ball on the right flank, Chukwueze dazzled his way past two of his markers before cutting in to set up Pulisic, who fired a left-footed shot into the back of the net. Giroud and Leao also scored on either side of the half as AC Milan recorded a comfortable victory against Lecce.
Pioli delighted with ‘changed’ Samuel Chukwueze
Chukwueze ended up playing the full 90 minutes and also created the most chances (five) of any player on the pitch. The Nigerian was a constant threat and looked confident on the ball, throwing back to the exciting player that the Rossoneri paid €20 million and €8 million in potential add-ons to bring to the San Siro.
In the aftermath of the game, Stefano Pioli was full of praise for the Nigeria international. The Italian manager described the winger as a player with a changed mindset, adding that although Chukwueze endured a difficult start to life in the Serie A, his quality has never been in doubt.
“His mind has changed. Now he has confidence, he’s positive, he believes in what he does. He understands what the team has to do on the pitch. He’s a quality player. I’m very happy for him because he’s been through a difficult time,” Stefano said, as quoted by Sempre Milan.
“From the outside looking in, everything seems rosy but the boys are experiencing significant pressure. He believed in it and worked hard, which pleases me, the club and the team.”
Samuel Chukwueze gradually locking down AC Milan’s right-wing position
Chukwueze seems to have regained the full trust of his manager and his impressive form makes him Milan’s best option on the right flank. Pulisic may have scored against Lecce, but the American has fitness issues and had to play behind Giroud to accommodate Chukwueze on the right.
The competition for places in the team will be keener in the coming weeks, especially with Ruben Loftus-Cheek set to return from suspension after missing the game against Lecce. However, the English midfielder’s return is unlikely to affect Chukwueze, who seems to have the right-wing position on lock at the moment.
Rather, Pioli will have a big decision to make over whether to stick with Pulisic in the no.10 role or to draft Loftus-Cheek back into the starting line-up. The manager’s potential conundrum is a testament to Chukwueze’s resilience to fight his way back into Pioli’s plans following his inconsistent start to the campaign.
The 24-year-old accounted for just one assist in his first 16 Serie A matches this season, but now has two goal contributions (one goal and one assist) in his last three games in the Italian topflight.
Chukwueze’s return to form comes as a huge boost to AC Milan, who are currently second in Serie A and also chasing Europa League glory, where a tricky test against AS Roma awaits in the quarter-finals.
