On a sunny afternoon at the MAPEI Stadium Città del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia, Samuel Chukwueze sets his sights on correcting a less than desirable statistic during the Serie A clash between Sassuolo and AC Milan this Sunday.
Despite playing 791 minutes across nineteen matches, the Nigerian international has yet to see any of his fourteen cross attempts successfully find a teammate. Chukwueze, known for his inverted winger role and dribbling prowess, averages one successful dribble per game in all competitions this season.
The 24 year old, previously a standout at Villarreal, has recently found a resurgence in form. This comes after a notable omission from the starting lineup by Rossoneri boss Stefano Pioli in Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League defeat to AS Roma, which drew considerable critique.
Chukwueze celebrated his first Serie A goal against Hellas Verona on March 17 and followed up with an assist in Milan’s 3-0 victory over Lecce after the international break. His tally for Milan this season includes three other goal contributions scoring in consecutive Champions League matches against Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United and assisting in a 2-2 draw with Lecce in November.
Out of 44 games this season, Chukwueze has been in the starting lineup for only twelve, including nine in Serie A.
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Editorial
We, as enthusiasts and followers of Serie A, are witnessing a pivotal moment in Samuel Chukwueze’s career at AC Milan. Chukwueze’s journey from a promising talent at Villarreal to his current struggles and recent resurgence highlights the unpredictable nature of football. It’s a testament to the challenges and pressures that players face in top tier European football.
This scenario begs a broader reflection on the role of management in nurturing players. Pioli’s decision to leave Chukwueze out of crucial matches could be seen as a strategic move or a potential misstep. This approach sparks debate about the balance between player development and immediate team needs.
We believe that a player of Chukwueze’s calibre deserves consistent opportunities to prove his worth. His recent performances, marred by missed crosses but highlighted by crucial goals and assists, show a player on the brink of regaining his best form. As fans and pundits, we should advocate for a supportive environment that allows talents like Chukwueze to thrive under pressure, rather than be sidelined by it.
We echo our initial sentiment the essence of football lies not only in the success but also in the continuous journey of improvement and adaptation.
Did You Know?
- Samuel Chukwueze was part of the Nigerian squad that won the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2015.
- MAPEI Stadium Città del Tricolore, where Chukwueze is set to play, was originally named Stadio Giglio and was opened in 1995.
- AC Milan has never lost a competitive match at MAPEI Stadium against Sassuolo, maintaining a streak since their first visit.
- Inverted wingers, like Chukwueze, are tasked with cutting inside on their stronger foot, a tactic that has become increasingly popular in modern football tactics.
- Stefano Pioli, AC Milan’s manager, began his coaching career in 1999 and has managed several top Italian clubs including Inter Milan and Fiorentina before joining Milan.
