Any Nigerian football enthusiast and observer of the beautiful game would feel a sense of disappointment over Samuel Chukwueze‘s struggles at AC Milan.
His journey from Villarreal to San Siro was met with great anticipation and excitement, but the reality has been far from what many had hoped for.
Chukwueze's talent is undeniable.
His electrifying pace, skill on the ball, and knack for finding the back of the net made him a standout performer at Villarreal, where he played a pivotal role in their Europa League triumph and impressed with double-digit goal involvements last season.
His move to AC Milan was seen as a natural progression in his career—a chance to test himself in another of Europe's top leagues and showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
However, the transition has been anything but smooth for the 24-year-old winger.
Since his arrival at San Siro, Chukwueze has struggled to adapt to life in Italy, failing to replicate the form that made him a fan favourite at Villarreal.
With just two appearances in Serie A since his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Chukwueze has found it difficult to secure a regular spot in Stefano Pioli's starting lineup.
Chukwueze has to fight for AC Milan place
What's more concerning is the emergence of his teammate, Christian Pulisic, who has quickly become a sensation at AC Milan.
Pulisic's impact has been nothing short of phenomenal, with the American forward already notching up eight goals in the league and two in European competitions.
His consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him a key figure in Pioli's plans, further highlighting Chukwueze's struggles.
The recent Serie A clash against Empoli served as another reminder of Chukwueze's difficulties on the field.
Despite his talent and potential, the Nigerian international failed to make a significant impact, adding to the growing concerns surrounding his form and effectiveness in Pioli's system.
For an average Nigerian football fan, Chukwueze's struggles at AC Milan are disheartening but not entirely surprising. They highlight the challenges faced by African talents trying to make their mark in European football.
Despite the abundance of talent on the continent, many African players encounter difficulties in adapting to the demands of European leagues, whether it be cultural differences, language barriers, or the intensity of the competition.
Moreover, African players often have to deal with unfair expectations and stereotypes.
They are sometimes judged more harshly than their other counterparts, with their performances scrutinized under a different lens. While some players, like Pulisic, thrive under the pressure and excel on the big stage, others, like Chukwueze, struggle to find their footing and fulfill their potential.
Pundit rates Chukwueze’s addition to Milan as ‘very poor'
Commenting on AC Milan's performance against Empoli, pundit Arianna Ravelli didn't mince her words when assessing Chukwueze's contribution to the team.
In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Ravelli emphasised the importance of having players like Pulisic, who can deliver consistently and make a difference in crucial matches.
“Pulisic has once again shown his decisiveness with his goal-scoring record. We can count on him to deliver when it matters. However, relying solely on Chukwueze's sporadic contributions won't be enough to bridge the gap with our rivals,” Ravelli remarked.
Indeed, Chukwueze's lack of goals and assists for AC Milan has raised questions about his future role in the team.
As one of the six outfield players with over 15 appearances in Serie A without a goal for the Rossoneri, Chukwueze faces mounting pressure to deliver and justify his place in the squad.
For Nigerian football fans, Chukwueze's struggles at AC Milan have been a cause for concern. Many had hoped that his move to one of Europe's top clubs would provide him with the platform to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
However, the reality has been a stark reminder of the challenges faced by young African players trying to make their mark in European football.
Hope is key to resurgence for Chukwueze
Despite the setbacks, there is still optimism that Chukwueze can turn things around and fulfill his potential at AC Milan.
With his undeniable talent and determination, the Nigerian winger has the ability to overcome adversity and prove his doubters wrong. However, time is running out for Chukwueze to make his mark at San Siro, and he will need to deliver sooner rather than later to silence his critics and secure his future at AC Milan.
However, it's essential not to write off Chukwueze's career just yet. Despite his setbacks at AC Milan, he remains a talented and promising young player with the potential to turn things around.
With his determination and resilience, there's still hope that he can rediscover his form and make a significant impact at San Siro.
