Samuel Chukwueze: How Amorim’s tactical gamble could revive Nigerian’s Milan career

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze appears to be enjoying a new lease of life at AC Milan after Ruben Amorim’s decision to deploy the Nigerian winger as a wing-back, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 27-year-old has spent most of his career operating as an attacking winger, but Amorim has moved him into a more demanding role on the flank as part of his 3-4-2-1 system.

The tactical switch is still in its early stages, but Chukwueze’s impressive display in Milan’s win over Manchester United suggests it could give the Nigerian an opportunity to revive his career at San Siro.

Chukwueze embraces Amorim’s opportunity

Chukwueze has endured a difficult spell since joining Milan from Villarreal in 2023.

The Nigerian arrived in Italy as one of La Liga’s most exciting wingers, but he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter and eventually left on loan to Fulham before returning to Milan. His return could now be different under Amorim.

The Portuguese coach has shown faith in the Nigerian by giving him a role that demands more than his traditional attacking responsibilities.

“He simply showed faith in me, and I think I need to make the most of it. I can’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – to return to Milan after the loan spell,” Chukwueze said in an interview with Gazzetta IT.

Chukwueze knows another inconsistent campaign could make it difficult to convince Milan that he deserves a long-term place in their plans. Amorim, however, appears to have found a way to get the best out of him.

Why Amorim is turning Chukwueze into a wing-back

Rather than using him as a conventional winger, Amorim has asked the Nigerian to operate as a wing-back, giving him responsibility on both sides of the game.

It is unfamiliar territory for Chukwueze, who has built his career around attacking from wide positions.

“Yes, even though it’s a position I need to adapt to because I’ve never played in this role in my career,” the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner admitted.

But the change could also allow Milan to maximise some of his biggest strengths.

Chukwueze’s pace, acceleration and ability to carry the ball can be dangerous when he receives possession deeper and has space to attack.

Instead of constantly receiving the ball in crowded attacking areas, the Nigerian can begin his runs from further back and use his speed to drive Milan up the pitch.

His positioning can also stretch opposition defences, creating space for Milan’s attacking players to exploit centrally, and even an overload on the other flank.

There is, of course, another side to the experiment. Chukwueze must improve defensively and become comfortable with the physical demands of protecting his flank, which has been a problem throughout the entirety of his career, but the Nigerian appears willing to learn.

“Every time I make a mistake, he tells me: ‘Oh, Chukwueze, this is what you need to do.’ So, I think I’ll improve before the start of the season,” he said.

That willingness to adapt could eventually determine whether Amorim’s gamble succeeds.

Chukwueze has a route back into Milan’s plans

The tactical change could also solve a problem that has followed Chukwueze throughout his Milan career – finding a consistent role.

As a winger, the Nigerian has had to compete with other talented players for limited positions in the final third. As a wing-back, however, he could offer Amorim something different.

His attacking instincts, in a rather defensive position and ability to carry the ball forward and contribute to attacks give Milan another dimension, while his pace could make him particularly useful during transitions.

His performance against Manchester United offered an early indication of what Amorim wants from him.

Chukwueze impressed in the new position and provided two assists against the Red Devils, including one for Gonçalo Ramos, who he believes can be an important attacking partner for Milan.

“He knows when to drop deep, he’s good in the air, and he attacks the space behind defenders. I think he’s a fantastic lad,” Chukwueze said.

The challenge now is consistency. A promising pre-season performance will not erase the struggles of Chukwueze’s first spell at Milan, but it could provide the foundation for a fresh start.

At 27, the Nigerian is an experienced player who has already competed at the highest level in Spain, Italy and England. What he needs now is a system that can bring his qualities together.

His career has always been one of ebbs and flows, always glimpses, but never the hunger to be consistent in displaying the talent he so clearly has. Amorim appears to believe the answer could be found by moving him further back.

“I know it’s a difficult task, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it, I can do anything,” Chukwueze said.

If he can master the defensive demands of the position without losing the attacking qualities that made him a star at Villarreal, Amorim’s experiment could give the Nigerian exactly what he has been missing at Milan.