AC Milan forward Rafael Leão has voiced his admiration for teammate Samuel Chukwueze, highlighting the Nigerian winger's burgeoning confidence and potential to significantly influence the team's success this season.
After a challenging debut season, during which he started with just one goal in 24 appearances, Chukwueze seems to have turned a corner in his Milan career.
The Nigeria international has rediscovered his form, delivering a series of impressive performances in the team's recent preseason friendlies.
He contributed two assists in Milan's 3-2 victory over Manchester City last Saturday and followed it up by scoring the decisive goal in the team's 1-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Leão, confident in Chukwueze's abilities, asserts that with the right mindset and determination, the winger is poised for a standout campaign with the Rossoneri.
Leão praises Samuel Chukwueze's growing confidence
In a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese forward acknowledged the difficulties associated with limited playing time, but expressed his optimism about the progress he has observed in his teammate.
“When you don't play a lot, it becomes difficult to show what you can do but, from what I've seen, Chuk has more confidence, he wants to have the ball and make a difference,” Leão said of Chukwueze.
“That's what I was waiting for. If he continues like this, he'll have a great season.”
The 25-year-old's challenging start to his Milan career attracted significant criticism from the media and former manager Stefano Pioli, under whom the Nigerian joined the club.
Samuel Chukwueze joined AC Milan in July 2023 from Spanish club Villarreal, in a transfer deal valued at €20 million, with an additional €8 million available in potential add-ons.
