Former AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi has expressed satisfaction with Samuel Chukwueze’s recent upturn in performance despite a slow start to the season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze joined AC Milan in the summer as the club was looking to rebuild after losing players like Brahim Diaz, Charles de Ketelaere, and Junior Messias. The Nigerian attacker had a good last season at Villarreal, and that ensured that he commanded a decent €20million fee.
However, since Chukwueze arrived in Milan, he has not impressed much. In fact, former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic has overshadowed him at the club. In the first half of the season, the 24-year-old spent more time on the bench than on the pitch. He had to wait until last November before getting his first goal contribution at the club.
However, the Nigeria international has picked up the pace recently. In his last three games, Chukwueze has registered one goal and one assist, and it seems he has started gaining Pioli’s trust, as he started AC Milan’s last two games. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri have also won their last seven games in all competitions.
Former AC Milan and Italy coach Sacchi has been impressed with what he has seen from AC Milan recently, and he name-checked Chukwueze as one of the stars that has been key to the club’s run.
“First of all, they (AC Milan) run. And then it seems to me that players who had remained in the shadows emerged. I’m thinking for example, of Samuel Chukwueze, who is demonstrating that he has good technical and athletic qualities,” Sacchi told PianetaMilan.
Chukwueze would look to continue with his recent form to help the Rossoneri end the campaign on a high. If he fails to perform consistently, AC Milan may start contemplating a loan deal for him.