SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE: OUR FOCUS

Samuel Chukwueze is the new string in the bow of offensive options in our team. The Nigerian has arrived from Villarreal and is ready to bring speed, dribbling and unpredictability to Pioli's attack. His young age perhaps hides Chukwueze's vast experience, winning the Europa League in 2020/21 with the Spanish side and playing an important part in every competition. Samuel is left-footed, and his rapid speed stands out. He loves to play inverted, hence on the right-hand side, often trying to dribble inside to create chances for himself or his teammates. 

Let's rewind the tape: he learned to play football in Nigeria, making his first steps at Future Hope and, after a short period, at the New Generation Academy before switching to the Diamond Football Academy. His first showcasing on the international stage was the U17 World Cup in 2015, in Chile, which he won with Nigeria. With the young Super Eagles, together with Osimhen and Nwakali, he was one of the stars of Nigerian success. His appearances attracted the attention of Villarreal, who in 2017, barely an adult, decided to bring him to Spain, beating the likes of Arsenal, Porto and FC Salzburg to his signature. After half a season in the second team, in Segunda División B, he made his debut for the First Team in September 2018 in the Europa League. His first goal was in the Copa del Rey, when he scored immediately against Almeria. He wouldn't have to wait long for his first goal in La Liga either, scoring in his second full appearance in a 2-2 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

From that point on, his growth has been constant: his adventure in Spain has concluded with 207 appearances and 37 goals in all competitions. In the trophy cabinet, as mentioned, he has the U17 World Cup and the 2020/21 Europa League, won on penalties against Manchester United. In the only edition of the Champions League in which he has taken part, in 2021/22, he had a big impact: he reached the semifinals with Villarreal and was the star in a special quarter-final, scoring the goal to knock Bayern Munich out at the Allianz Arena. He made his debut for the Senior National Team in November 2018, days after his debut with Villarreal, and participated in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, achieving a bronze medal. It was Bennacer's Algeria who would go on to win that tournament, with Ismaël being voted as the Player of the Tournament. To date, Chukwueze has made 28 appearances and scored 4 goals for Nigeria.

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