Chukwueze vs Milan’s €50m signing: How Amorim plans to solve right-wing battle

Ruben Amorim has already found a way to make Samuel Chukwueze important at AC Milan, Afrik-Foot reports.

Now, the arrival of Diego Moreira has created a new battle on the right side. Moreira joined Milan from Strasbourg a few days ago on a contract until June 2031. The Belgium international cost about €50 million, including bonuses, and brings pace, skill and tactical flexibility.

Chukwueze, 27, offers a different threat. The Nigeria international is a left-footed winger who can attack defenders, carry the ball forward and create chances from the right. His value was clear in Milan’s Serie A opener at Torino on August 23.

The Super Eagles star started as the right wing-back in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1. In the 66th minute, Chukwueze delivered a left-footed cross that found Adrien Rabiot at the far post for Milan’s second goal in a 2-1 win. That man of the match-winning performance gives Amorim a strong reason to keep using him.

Why Moreira does not have to replace Chukwueze

Amorim has made it clear that Moreira can play on either side of the defence. He sees the 22-year-old as an attacking wing-back and suggested that he could battle Chukwueze for the main position.

“Diego Moreira can play both alongside Chukwueze and instead of him,” Amorim said as per Milan News. “If Chukwu is unavailable, with Moreira we have added a player who will not change the identity of the team.

“There will be matches in which we play with two very attacking wide players. If we use a four-man midfield, Bartesaghi can drop back to join our defensive line. We will see.”

Moreira is left-footed and has spent much of his career on the left. At Strasbourg, he also developed as a wing-back, where his speed and ability to drive forward gave him more space to attack. He recorded five goals and nine assists in 42 competitive games last season.

Chukwueze is more familiar with the right side and has already shown Amorim that he can work in the wing-back role. The coach said the Nigerian has the personality to defend and that he can help Milan defend through possession. That means this is not simply a fight for one shirt.

How Amorim can use both

Milan’s 3-4-2-1 gives Amorim room to use two attack-minded wide players in the same XI.

One option is Chukwueze at right wing-back and Moreira higher on the right as one of the two attacking midfielders. Moreira can move inside while Chukwueze holds the width and attacks from deeper positions. Another option is Moreira at right wing-back, with Chukwueze playing higher. That would give Milan two left-footed players who can attack from different areas.

The opening-day win shows the idea is already taking shape. Chukwueze started at wing-back, while the attacking positions went to Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Alphadjo Cissé. Moreira stayed on the bench. With Milan also competing in the Europa League, Serie A and domestic competitions, Amorim will need depth. He has said a top club needs two strong players for each role.

The right-wing battle may therefore become less about choosing Chukwueze or Moreira and more about finding the right way to use both.