2 reasons Chukwueze’s Milan resurgence may be short-lived

Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze has made an encouraging start to life under Ruben Amorim at AC Milan, but there are signs that his resurgence might be difficult to sustain, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian winger returned to Milan after his loan spell at Fulham with his future at the club uncertain, but Amorim has quickly found a way to make him useful.

Rather than fielding the former Villarreal man in his familiar wide attacking role, the Portuguese coach has deployed him as a right wing-back in his 3-4-2-1 system.

The experiment immediately paid off. Chukwueze started Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino at right wing-back and provided the assist for Adrien Rabiot’s winning goal in a 2-1 victory, earning the Man of the Match award.

It was an impressive beginning to what could become an important chapter of the 27-year-old’s Milan career.

Why Chukwueze’s Milan resurgence might not last

1. Diego Moreira provides competition

The first concern is the arrival of Diego Moreira. AC Milan completed the signing of the Belgian international from Strasbourg on August 19, handing him a contract until June 2031.

Moreira arrived after an impressive campaign in France and brings pace, technical quality and tactical versatility to Amorim’s squad.

More importantly for Chukwueze, Moreira can operate as a wing-back on either flank.

Amorim has already acknowledged the competition between the two players.

“Moreira can play as a full-back on either the right or left; perhaps he’ll play more on the right,” the Milan coach said in quotes revealed by Eurofoot, while stressing that a club of Milan’s stature needs two quality players for each position.

That immediately creates a problem for Chukwueze. The Nigerian has given Amorim a compelling reason to retain him on the right after his performance against Torino, but Moreira was not signed to spend the season watching from the bench.

The Belgian reportedly cost Milan around €50 million including bonuses, making the club’s investment another factor that could influence how his minutes are managed.

There is, however, an important twist. Amorim does not necessarily see the situation as Chukwueze versus Moreira.

The Portuguese coach has indicated that the pair can play together, while Moreira’s versatility gives him the option of using the Belgian in different positions.

That could allow Chukwueze to retain his place, particularly when Milan need his ability to carry the ball from deeper areas, but it also means the Nigerian cannot afford to relax.

With Moreira competing for the same role and Milan involved in multiple competitions, Amorim has enough depth to rotate his players. A strong performance against Torino may have changed Chukwueze’s situation, but it has not guaranteed him the position.

2. Chukwueze’s consistency

The second reason is directly related to the player himself. Chukwueze has never lacked talent.

His pace, dribbling ability and capacity to beat defenders have been obvious since his breakthrough at Villarreal. Even at Milan, there have been matches where he has looked almost impossible to contain.

The problem has been sustaining that level. His football career, over the last decade, has been characterised by impressive flashes followed by periods where his influence has faded.

That inconsistency has made it difficult for previous coaches to build their attacking plans around him, and it remains the biggest question surrounding his latest resurgence.

Amorim’s decision to move him into a deeper role could potentially help, and his assist against Torino was a perfect example of that potential, but the position also demands greater tactical discipline.

Amorim has already suggested that he believes Chukwueze can handle those responsibilities.

“Chukwueze isn’t a defensive player in the traditional Italian sense, but we’ll defend with the ball, and he’s shown that he can do that,” Amorim said before the Torino match.

That is significant because it explains why the coach is willing to trust him in the role, but showing that he can perform it once is different from doing so consistently over an entire season.

Chukwueze has to be consistent

There is little doubt that Amorim has given Chukwueze a new opportunity at Milan.

The Nigerian has already demonstrated that he can contribute from wing-back, and the freedom of starting deeper could even unlock aspects of his game that were previously difficult to maximise, but the early success also raises expectations.

Moreira provides competition, while Chukwueze’s own history means another drop in consistency could quickly change the situation.

The good news for the Super Eagles star is that Amorim appears willing to give him a chance, one he must take with both feet, literally.

If he cannot, Moreira and Milan’s squad depth could ensure that his latest revival is only temporary.