Samuel Chukwueze, the Super Eagles winger, recently made a substitute appearance for AC Milan in a pre-season friendly against Liverpool. This match, held in Hong Kong, saw Milan triumph over the Premier League champions with a 4-2 scoreline. Chukwueze replaced Rafael Leao in the 63rd minute, marking his entry into the game under the watchful eye of new manager Max Allegri. Despite his presence on the field, Chukwueze wasn’t directly involved in any goals during his 27 minutes of play. This performance comes after a somewhat underwhelming previous season for the 26-year-old, where he struggled to secure a consistent starting position, making only nine starts in 26 Serie A appearances for a total of 918 minutes played. The pre-season fixture provides an opportunity for Chukwueze to regain form and impress the new manager ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The match itself was a dynamic affair, showcasing both teams’ attacking prowess. Milan drew first blood early on, thanks to a powerful strike from Rafael Leao, who cut into the box from the left flank and fired the ball into the net. Liverpool quickly responded with an equalizer from Dominik Szoboszlai, who lobbed the ball over Milan’s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan. The half-time break saw Liverpool manager Arne Slot introduce a number of substitutions, but it was Milan who regained the lead after the restart. Leao, instrumental in the first goal, again demonstrated his skill, carrying the ball forward before squaring it to Ruben Loftus-Cheek for a simple finish. Milan further extended their advantage with a clinical finish from Noah Okafor, bringing the score to 3-1. Liverpool managed to pull a goal back in injury time through Cody Gakpo, who capitalized on a cross from Ibrahima Konate. However, Milan sealed their victory with a fourth goal, capitalizing on a defensive error by Kostas Tsimikas, which allowed Okafor to score his second of the match.
Chukwueze’s limited playing time in the previous season indicates the challenges he faces in securing a regular spot in the AC Milan lineup. The arrival of a new manager brings both opportunities and uncertainties for the Nigerian winger. While his performance in the pre-season friendly against Liverpool didn’t involve any direct goal contributions, it offered him valuable minutes on the field and a chance to integrate into Allegri’s tactical plans. The pre-season period serves as a crucial platform for players to demonstrate their capabilities and stake their claim for a starting position. For Chukwueze, these matches are especially significant as he aims to leave behind the inconsistencies of the previous season and establish himself as a key player for Milan.
The upcoming 2025/26 season holds considerable importance for Chukwueze, and his performances in the remaining pre-season fixtures will be closely scrutinized. He will need to showcase his attacking qualities, including his dribbling skills, pace, and ability to create scoring opportunities, to convince Allegri of his worth. Competition for places within the squad is likely to be fierce, and Chukwueze will need to perform at a consistently high level to earn regular playing time. His previous experience with Villarreal, where he demonstrated his potential, will serve as a foundation upon which he can build. However, adapting to the demands of Serie A and consistently delivering impactful performances will be crucial for his success at AC Milan.
The match against Liverpool, while a pre-season friendly, provided valuable insights into the team’s dynamics and individual players’ form. For Milan, the victory served as a confidence booster and an opportunity to experiment with different tactical approaches. The performance of Leao, who played a key role in two of Milan’s goals, highlights his importance to the team’s attacking threat. Similarly, Okafor’s two goals demonstrate his finishing ability and potential to contribute significantly in the upcoming season. For Liverpool, the match exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, which they will need to address before the start of the competitive season. The pre-season period allows teams to fine-tune their strategies and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, Samuel Chukwueze’s cameo appearance in AC Milan’s pre-season victory against Liverpool marked a step towards his integration into the squad under new manager Max Allegri. While his performance didn’t yield any direct goal contributions, it provided him with valuable playing time and a chance to demonstrate his abilities. The upcoming season will be a crucial one for Chukwueze, as he seeks to establish himself as a key player for AC Milan and overcome the challenges he faced in the previous season. The remaining pre-season fixtures will be essential for him to build momentum and earn a regular starting position. The match against Liverpool also served as a valuable exercise for both teams, providing insights into their strengths and weaknesses ahead of the competitive season.
