Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro has defended Samuel Chukwueze amid the winger’s struggles at seven-time European champions AC Milan.
Chukwueze became the ninth Nigerian player signed by AC Milan this summer and the sixth to make a first team appearance for the Rossoneri, after Aliyu Datti, Taribo West, Kingsley Umunegbu, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Taye Taiwo.
The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Serie A following his arrival from La Liga outfit Villarreal, with no goals to his name after eleven appearances.
United States dazzler Christian Pulisic was ahead of Chukwueze in manager Stefano Pioli’s pecking order of right wingers until recently when the former Chelsea man was shifted to the left wing to accommodate the Nigerian in the starting lineup.
When asked by reporters if he was surprised by Chukwueze’s rocky start at AC Milan, Peseiro said: “Actually, no. And indeed, I add that I don’t agree with what is said about him. I read about a discontinuous, smoky player with little personality. It’s quite the opposite.
“By signing for Milan he raised the level, but Serie A is not La Liga. In Spain you have space, an open field, little tactics, and in a similar context Samuel knows how to stand out.”
Peseiro has backed Chukwueze to make a difference next season and praised the winger for his first goal in AC Milan’s colours in their Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
“Next year will make a difference, I’m sure. He should be given a season of time to settle in as best as possible.
“When a club spends around 30 million on a player, it’s normal to expect great things straight away, but Samuel just needs time.”
On Chukwueze’s goal against Dortmund, Peseiro said: “That’s the Chukwueze I know: one of the best dribblers in Europe. Trust me, he will be able to do great things.”
Chukwueze is available for selection for at least four more games before linking up with the Super Eagles for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
