Samuel Chukwueze spent much of last season trying to find his place at Milan, but his return from Fulham has brought a very different situation, with regular starts, longer minutes and a new level of trust from Rúben Amorim helping the Nigerian winger rediscover the confidence that had been missing, Footynaija.com reports.
The difference is already visible in his involvement. Chukwueze has started four of Milan’s first five Serie A matches this season and has provided two assists, a change from his difficult first campaign in Italy when he managed three goals and two assists in 26 league appearances.
His loan spell at Fulham last season gave him regular football again, with three goals and four assists in 25 appearances, but the Premier League club failed in the attempt to make the move permanent. He therefore returned to Milan with his future still uncertain.
Related Post
Amorim has instead given him an opportunity to rebuild his place at the club, and Chukwueze has responded.
Chukwueze explains what changed under Amorim
The winger believes the biggest difference is that he is playing regularly and feels trusted again.
Speaking to Footy-Africa while with the Super Eagles, Chukwueze said the minutes he is receiving have made the coach’s faith in him clear.
“I just have to keep doing my best for the team and repay the confidence the coach has in me by playing well and helping the team,” he said.
“Playing ninety minutes means he has confidence in me, and I have to keep showing the coach reasons to keep playing me.”
That trust has also allowed Amorim to get more from Chukwueze tactically. Milan have used him prominently from the right, while the coach recently adjusted the team’s defence against Lecce to give the Nigerian more freedom to focus on attacking.
For Chukwueze, the change is not only tactical.
“Every coach has his own style of play. Last season I wasn’t a regular, but this season has been different. The confidence is back, and I will hopefully keep showing what I can do.”
Chukwueze is no longer trying to force his way into the picture. Amorim is giving him the minutes, and the Super Eagles winger now has to keep giving Milan reasons to continue with him.
