Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-03-06 04:22:46
Samuel Chukwueze, the most expensive signing of the last summer transfer window for AC Milan, is facing challenges in his first season with the club. Despite arriving from Villarreal for a substantial fee of €20m plus €8m in bonuses, the Nigerian winger has not met the expectations set for him so far. With only two goals – one against Borussia Dortmund and another in a crucial 2-1 victory at Newcastle that secured a spot in the Europa League – and just one assist, Chukwueze’s performance has left much to be desired.
The scrutiny on Chukwueze is further heightened by the contrasting form of his teammate Christian Pulisic, who plays in a similar position on the right wing. Pulisic has been excelling with his work rate, assists, and goal-scoring abilities, making him the preferred choice for the starting role. AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli acknowledged this difference, emphasizing the need for Chukwueze to contribute more in terms of goals, assists, and defensive work.
In the upcoming matches against Slavia Prague and Empoli, Pioli may have to rely on Chukwueze to lessen the workload on Pulisic, considering the latter’s injury history. This could see the Nigerian winger starting on the right flank alongside Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao in the front three against Slavia Prague.
Despite Chukwueze’s struggles in his debut season, comparisons have been drawn to Charles De Ketelaere, another high-profile signing who faced difficulties in his first campaign. While De Ketelaere’s situation had its complexities, AC Milan must not repeat the mistake of losing faith in a talented player like Chukwueze, who has the potential to shine with the right support and guidance. It is crucial for the club to continue to back Chukwueze and work on harnessing his talent to benefit the team in the long run.
