Former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello has lauded Samuel Chukwueze’s significant impact during Milan’s Champions League victory over Club Brugge, marking a turning point in the Nigerian winger’s contributions to the team. Chukwueze, who came into the game as a substitute for Rafael Leao in the 60th minute, helped secure a 3-1 win by providing an essential assist. During the post-match analysis on Sky Sport Italia, Capello and former player Paolo Di Canio engaged in a spirited discussion, where both agreed that Chukwueze’s performance had surpassed that of Leao, signaling a potential shift in Milan’s attacking dynamics.
Milan’s win against Brugge was notable as it marked their first success in the revamped Champions League group phase, further highlighting Chukwueze’s rising profile within the squad. Despite his limited appearances since joining the club from Villarreal for €20 million last summer, Chukwueze has made a compelling case for more playing time. The Nigerian international’s assist to Tijjani Reijnders for the third goal demonstrated not only his technical aptitude but also a burgeoning understanding with his teammates, making him an invaluable asset in critical moments.
Chukwueze, at just 25 years old, has primarily been deployed as a substitute under new head coach Paolo Fonseca, starting only eight of his ten matches from the bench. However, his recent performances have indicated that he can be a crucial contributor when provided with opportunities. Following his standout performance against Brugge, in which he also scored the lone goal in the preceding match against Udinese, Chukwueze has now tallied two goals in his last two outings, showcasing his ability to impact games positively even with limited minutes on the field.
In the same match against Brugge, a significant red card incident involving Nigeria and Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika occurred, as he received a straight red in the 40th minute—marking his second expulsion of the current 2024-25 season. This unfortunate event for Brugge shifted the momentum in Milan’s favor, allowing them to capitalize on their numerical advantage, which ultimately contributed to their comprehensive victory. The incident reflects the critical nature of discipline in high-stakes matches, where a single player’s dismissal can drastically alter the course of a game.
Chukwueze’s performance is also being scrutinized in the context of ongoing transfer rumors, particularly regarding interest from Premier League club Everton. The Merseyside outfit is reportedly keen on enhancing their attacking lineup under manager Sean Dyche. Such speculation surrounding Chukwueze underscores his growing prominence not only within AC Milan but also in European football, making him a player of interest as teams look to bolster their ranks during the upcoming January transfer window.
Looking ahead, AC Milan is set to shift their focus back to domestic competition, with a crucial Serie A match against Bologna on Saturday at the Stadio Dall’Ara. Following the success in the Champions League, there is heightened anticipation regarding Chukwueze’s potential role in the squad for the weekend’s encounter and his ability to maintain his current momentum. The performances of players like Chukwueze could be pivotal for Milan as they seek to solidify their standing both in Italy and on the European stage, making each upcoming game a vital opportunity for players to prove their worth.
