Samuel Chukwueze Explained

Samuel Chukwueze
Full Name:Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze
Birth Date:22 May 1999
Birth Place:Abia State, Nigeria
Height:1.72 m[1]
Position:Right winger
Currentclub:AC Milan
Clubnumber:21
Youthclubs1:Future Hope
Youthclubs2:New Generation Academy
Youthyears3:2012–2017
Youthclubs3:Diamond Football Academy
Youthyears4:2017–2018
Youthclubs4:Villarreal
Years1:2018
Clubs1:Villarreal B
Caps1:20
Goals1:4
Years2:2018–2023
Clubs2:Villarreal
Caps2:155
Goals2:21
Years3:2023–
Clubs3:AC Milan
Caps3:25
Goals3:1
Nationalyears1:2015
Nationalteam1:Nigeria U17
Nationalcaps1:7
Nationalgoals1:3
Nationalyears2:2018–
Nationalteam2:Nigeria
Nationalcaps2:38
Nationalgoals2:5
Club-Update:21:19, 17 August 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:23:33, 10 June 2024 (UTC)

Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze (; born 22 May 1999) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a right winger for Serie A club AC Milan and the Nigeria national team.[2] [3]

Early life and education

Chukwueze was born in Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia State.[4] He is of Igbo descent and was brought up in a Christian family with a younger brother and a younger sister. He attended Government College Umuahia and Evangel Secondary School. He started playing football at the age of 8 and he admired Jay-Jay Okocha and Arjen Robben as his football idols growing up.[5] [6] [7]

Club career

Villarreal

Chukwueze joined Villarreal CF's prolific youth setup in 2017, from local side Diamond Football Academy.[8] After being initially assigned to the club's Juvenil A squad, he made his senior debut with the reserves on 15 April 2018, coming on as a second-half substitute for Sergio Lozano in a 1–1 Segunda División B away draw against CE Sabadell FC.

Chukwueze scored his first senior goal on 20 May 2018, netting his team's second in a 3–2 away defeat against Bilbao Athletic. He contributed with two goals in 11 appearances during his first season, as his side missed out promotion in the play-offs.

Chukwueze made his first-team debut on 20 September 2018, replacing Nicola Sansone in a 2–2 home draw against Rangers, for the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League.[9] He also made his Laliga debut on 5 November 2018, playing a 90-minute full play in a 1–1 home draw against Levante, for the 2018–19 La Liga.

In April 2019, he won the Nigeria Football Federation's 2018 Young Player of the Year award.[10]

On 12 April 2022, in the second leg of the 2021–22 UEFA Champions League quarter-final away to Bayern Munich, Chukwueze scored the equaliser in the 88th minute, helping Villarreal progress to the semi-finals of the tournament.[11]

On 8 April 2023, Chukwueze scored a brace and recorded an assist against Real Madrid in a 3–2 away victory.[12]

AC Milan

On 27 July 2023, Serie A club AC Milan announced the signing of Chukwueze, on a contract until 30 June 2028.[13] [14] On 28 November, he scored his first goal at the club in a 3–1 home defeat against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.[15] On 13 December, he scored a later winner in the 84th minute in a 2–1 away victory over Newcastle United, which made his club to finish third in their group and qualify to the Europa League.[16] On 17 March, in a Serie A match against Hellas Verona, he came on as a substitute and scored the last goal in a 3–1 win, his first league goal for AC Milan.[17] On 14 April 2024, in the league game against Sassuolo, Chukwueze scored two goals, both of which were disallowed for microoffsides.[18]

International career

After playing for Nigeria at under-17 level, he received his first call-up to the senior team in October 2018.[19] He made his debut for the Nigerian senior team on 20 November 2018 as a starter in a 0–0 friendly draw against Uganda.[20] [21]

In May 2019, Chukwueze was invited to represent Nigeria's senior team at the Africa Cup of Nations and the Under-20 team at the Under-20 World Cup. However, Villarreal said he could only play in one of the tournaments.[22] He ultimately decided to take part with Nigerian's senior squad for Africa Cup of Nations hosted in Egypt[23] and scored his first senior goal in Nigeria's 2–1 win over South Africa in the quarter finals.[24]

Style of play

Chukwueze's biggest strength is his pace and his runs in behind the defense. He is known for his blistering pace and his ability to use it effectively by drifting infield and peeling away.He feels really fast, especially in the attack, and is explosive. With the finisher chemstyle, he is very mobile and has surprisingly good ball control. Villarreal defender, Alberto Moreno has compared Chukwueze's style of play to that of Al Nassr's forward, Sadio Mane, indicating that they play football in a similar way.[25]

Chukwueze has been noted to have a weak right foot, which affects his ability to make crosses and progress possession when faced with a strong 1 v 1 defender. His predictable dribbling style can also make it challenging for him to progress the ball in certain situations. Chukwueze's defensive contribution has been described as weak, and he tends to prefer playing short passes without diving into tackles.[26]

Chukwueze is known for his pace, runs in behind the defense, and explosive playing style, which has drawn comparisons to Sadio Mane.[27] [28] [29]

Career statistics

Club

[30]

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupContinentalTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Villarreal B2017–18Segunda División B112——112
2018–1992——92
Total204——204
Villarreal2018–19La Liga2653291388
2019–2037341—414
2020–2128410111405
2021–222732292387
2022–2337644935013
Total1552114938720737
AC Milan2023–24Serie A2411082333
2024–2510000010
Total2511082343
Career total2002615946926144

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Nigeria201810
2019122
202041
202120
202261
202351
202480
Total385

Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Chukwueze goal.

No.!scope="col"
DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1 10 July 2019 Cairo International Stadium, Cairo, Egypt 1–0 2–1 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
2 17 November 2019 Setsoto Stadium, Maseru, Lesotho 2–1 4–2 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
3 13 November 2020 Ogbe Stadium, Benin City, Nigeria 4–0 4–4 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
4 15 January 2022 Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua, Cameroon 1–0 3–1 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
5 10 September 2023 Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria 6–0 6–0 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

Honours

Villarreal

Nigeria U17

Nigeria

Individual

Orders

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze . AC Milan . 1 January 2024.
  2. Web site: 2023-07-28 . Nigeria's Chukwueze joins Milan on 5-year deal . 2024-04-08 . ESPN.com . en.
  3. Web site: Rai . Guillermo . AC Milan complete Chukwueze signing . 2024-04-08 . The Athletic . en.
  4. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze: Gịnị ka ị ma maka onye a na-ekwu na ọ bụ 'ọkacha agba na Super Eagles ugbua'? . Samuel Chukwueze: What do you know about the person who is said to be 'the best in the Super Eagles now'? . BBC Sport . Igbo . 26 June 2019 . 9 April 2023 . 14 April 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230414044755/https://www.bbc.com/igbo/egwuregwu-48755381 . live .
  5. Web site: Chukwueze: Villarreal winger reveals Okocha admiration. Goal.com. 4 September 2019. 10 April 2023. 10 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230410194908/https://www.goal.com/en/news/chukwueze-villarreal-winger-reveals-okocha-admiration/1cm3q36op8iv01ftgku6ev918w. live.
  6. Web site: Ogunwale . Joba . 2019-09-06 . Messi, Ronaldo Or Robben? Samuel Chukwueze Reveals His Idol - Soccernet NG . 2023-07-02 . Soccernet.ng . en-US . 2 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230702130321/https://soccernet.ng/2019/09/messi-ronaldo-or-robben-samuel-chukwueze-reveals-his-idol.html . live .
  7. Web site: 2019-09-04 . Exclusive Samuel Chukwueze interview: Villarreal star on Robben, Messi, Nigeria and his incredible rise to fame Goal.com Nigeria . 2023-07-02 . www.goal.com . en-NG . 2 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230702130320/https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/from-burning-boots-to-scoring-boots---meet-villarreals-robben-like-rising-star-samuel-chukwueze/4qd03k1axfb51pfelx76zrjzf . live .
  8. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze signs 5 years Contract with Villarreal FC. Diamond Football Academy. 5 September 2017. 4 October 2018. 5 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181005071817/http://diamondfa.com/content/samuel-chukwueze-signs-5-years-contract-villarreal-fc. live.
  9. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze makes Villarreal debut in Rangers stalemate. Goal.com. 20 September 2018. 4 October 2018. 4 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181004225846/http://www.goal.com/en/news/samuel-chukwueze-makes-villarreal-debut-in-rangers-stalemate/t5km72czihf41fsd1y63yqhz5. live.
  10. Web site: 'Motivated' Samuel Chukwueze wins award ahead of Osimhen and Onyekuru. 2 April 2019. BBC Sport. 27 August 2019. Oluwashina. Okeleji. 15 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191015155419/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47784841. live.
  11. News: Villarreal's Samu Chuckwueze scores late goal to stun Bayern Munich . 12 April 2022 . The Guardian . 12 April 2022 . 12 April 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220412212247/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/12/bayern-munich-villarreal-champions-league-quarter-final-second-leg-match-report . live .
  12. Web site: Real Madrid crash to Villarreal defeat as title chances fall further away. ESPN. 8 April 2023. 9 April 2023. 9 April 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230409004210/https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/644047. live.
  13. Web site: OFFICIAL STATEMENT: SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE . 2023-07-27 . AC Milan . en.
  14. Web site: Rai . Guillermo . AC Milan complete Chukwueze signing . 2023-07-27 . The Athletic . en.
  15. Web site: Dortmund reach Champions League last 16 with 3-1 win at Milan . Reuters . 28 November 2023 .
  16. Web site: Newcastle United 1–2 AC Milan . BBC Sport . 13 December 2023 .
  17. News: Ibrahim . Faruq . Gareth Southgate gives Chelsea star condition to make Euro 2024 . 17 March 2024 . Pulse Sports Nigeria . 17 March 2024.
  18. https://sempremilan.com/chukwueze-denied-two-goals-sassuolo-offsides
  19. Web site: Injury forces Francis Uzoho to withdraw from Nigeria squad. 6 November 2018. BBC Sport. 27 August 2019. Oluwashina. Okeleji. 10 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190410085123/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46030232. live.
  20. Web site: ESPN. Nigeria v Uganda game report. 20 November 2018. 26 November 2018. 3 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190403135241/http://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=528097. live.
  21. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze: Youngster says Nigeria debut fulfils a dream. 22 November 2018. BBC Sport. 27 August 2019. Oluwashina. Okeleji. 8 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190508094843/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46306322. live.
  22. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal winger facing Nigeria dilemma. 7 May 2019. BBC Sport. 27 August 2019. Oluwashina. Okeleji. 16 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190516053555/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48185206. live.
  23. News: Africa Cup of Nations: Iheanacho left out of Nigeria squad. 9 June 2019. 14 June 2019. BBC Sport. Oluwashina. Okeleji. 4 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190704115522/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48574320. live.
  24. News: Benson . Max . Nigeria 2-1 Bafana - last-gasp goal as South Africa crash out of Afcon 2019 . 11 July 2019 . The South African . 10 July 2019 . 11 July 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190711235904/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/sport/soccer/afcon-2019-live-nigeria-vs-south-africa-bafana-quarter-final . live .
  25. Web site: Player Analysis: Samuel Chukwueze . 2024-04-08 . Breaking The Lines . en-GB.
  26. Web site: 2023-07-30 . Samuel Chukwueze insight: Scouting report, stats, transfer rating and more . 2024-04-08 . SempreMilancom . en.
  27. Web site: 2024-04-08 . Pioli heaps praise on ‘changed’ Chukwueze: “He believes in what he does” . 2024-04-08 . OneFootball . en.
  28. Web site: Samuel Chukwueze Stats, Info and performances . 2024-04-08 . FootballCritic . en.
  29. Web site: Omorogbe . Paul . 2021-05-10 . Playing in LaLiga at Villarreal CF has changed the way I understood football ― Samuel Chukwueze . 2024-04-08 . Tribune Online . en-GB.
  30. Web site: S. Chukwueze. Soccerway. 15 September 2019. 4 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181004231603/https://int.soccerway.com/players/samuel-chukwueze/425644/. live.
  31. News: Chukwueze wins Europa League title with Villarreal as Man Utd's trophy drought continues. 26 May 2021. 26 May 2021. Ripples Nigeria. 26 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210526220346/https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/chukwueze-wins-europa-league-title-with-villarreal-as-man-utds-trophy-drought-continues/. live.
  32. Web site: FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 - Matches - Mali - Nigeria. https://web.archive.org/web/20151117053147/http://www.fifa.com/u17worldcup/matches/round=271773/match=300298386/photos/index.html. dead. 17 November 2015. FIFA.com. 1 November 2018.
  33. Web site: Stevens . Rob . 11 February 2024 . Nigeria 1–2 Ivory Coast . 12 February 2024 . BBC Sport.
  34. Web site: Archived copy . 16 September 2023 . 24 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211024121539/https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/season=2021/statistics/round=2001240/players/kind=goals/index . dead .
  35. News: 12 June 2023 . Villarreal CF’s Samuel Chukwueze is the 2022/2023 LaLiga Santander African MVP Award winner. . 12 June 2023 . La Liga . 12 June 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230612233638/https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/villarreal-cfs-samuel-chukwueze-is-the-2022-2023-laliga-santander-african-mvp-award-winner . live .
  36. News: 2024-02-13 . Afcon: Ivory Coast and Nigeria players get cash, villas and honours . 2024-02-24 . . en-GB.

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