By Daily Sports Nigeria on December 3, 2024

AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has praised Samuel Chukwueze’s defensive work rate in their 3-0 victory over Empoli at the San Siro on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Super Eagles winger, who was named in the starting lineup for Milan’s 3-2 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava last week, was relegated to the bench with Yunus Musah preferred on the right wing as the Rossoneri extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.

Speaking after the match, which saw Tijjani Reijnders bag a brace after Alvaro Morata’s opener, Fonseca explained his tactical decision while highlighting Chukwueze’s impact after coming on as a substitute.

“I’m really enjoying Musah there. Empoli played a lot of long balls and it was important to have this role to help the team. I was also very pleased with the way Chukwueze played this role, who came back into the box twice to play fifth. This module gives us balance,” Fonseca said at the post-match conference.

The 24-year-old nearly grabbed an assist late in the game when his cross found Tammy Abraham at the back post, but the English striker could only shoot wide from point-blank range.

Chukwueze has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since his summer move to Milan, making 13 appearances across all competitions with just one goal to his name.

His situation has reportedly attracted interest from Turkish giants Besiktas, who are considering a January move for the former Villarreal man.

However, Milan view the Nigerian international as crucial cover for Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, which could complicate any potential transfer despite Besiktas’s eagerness to add the winger to their ranks.

Chukwueze will hope he gets more starting opportunities as Milan look to maintain their recent upturn in form following a difficult start to the season.

Source Punch Ng

Posted December 3, 2024

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