Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze registered an assist in AC Milan's 3-3 stalemate with Genoa at the San Siro on Sunday.
Mateo Retegui gave the away side the lead in the 5th minute via the spot, but his earlier strike was cancelled out by Milan's Alessandro Florenzi, who was assisted by Chukwueze on the stroke of half-time.
Caleb Ekuban restored Genoa's lead three minutes into the second half. The hosts came back strongly, drawing level in the 72nd minute through Matteo Gabbia and going ahead for the first time in the game with an Olivier Giroud goal in the 75th minute.
However, they could not sustain their lead, conceding the equaliser in the 87th minute through a Malick Thiaw own goal who replaced Chukwueze in the 81st minute.
The result means the Rossoneri will maintain their second place position on the Serie A table with 71 points after 35 matches, but have yet to record a win in their last six games.
Samuel Chukwueze's numbers for Milan this season
In the Serie A, the Nigerian international has featured in 23 matches, starting 11 of them, and has contributed with one goal and three assists.
In the UEFA Europa League, the 24-year-old appeared in four matches but was unable to register either a goal or an assist. In the Coppa Italia, he made just one appearance but failed to score or provide an assist.
Is Stefano Pioli right for playing Pulišić ahead of Chukwueze?
Christian Pulišić, who competes with Chukwueze, has been a standout player for Milan in the Serie A, appearing in 33 matches and starting 29 of them.
His remarkable tally of 10 goals and seven assists highlights his significant impact on the team's offensive capabilities.
Pulisic's contributions in Europe cannot be overlooked, with six appearances in the Europa League resulting in two goals and one assist, and two appearances in the Coppa Italia yielding one assist.
On the other hand, Chukwueze has also demonstrated his quality on the pitch, albeit with slightly fewer appearances and contributions.
While he has made 23 appearances in the Serie A, starting 11 of them, Chukwueze has managed one goal and three assists.
However, his impact in European and domestic cup competitions has been less significant, with limited appearances and no direct goal contributions.
In light of these statistics, some may argue that Pioli's decision to favour Pulišić over Chukwueze is justified by the American's superior goal-scoring and assist record.
Others, however, may contend that Chukwueze's potential and versatility warrant more playing time, especially considering his younger age and potential for growth.
Ultimately, Pioli's decision to select Pulišić over Chukwueze may hinge on various factors, including tactical considerations, form, and individual player performances in training.
In a recent interview, Pioli defended his decision, highlighting Pulisic's current standing: “I liked Pulisic instead,” he explained to Milan News. “Chukwueze is also fine, but at the moment I won't give up an extra midfielder to play with four attacking players. Therefore, Chukwueze is the one sacrificed the most at the moment.”
Former Milan Goalkeeper Mario lelpo advocates for expanded role for Chukwueze amidst squad changes
Ahead of the Genoa game, former Milan goalkeeper Mario lelpo in an interview with notiziemilan said, “I would say that profiles like Chukwueze who have always come in very well, have shown he is fit but then aren't put on the field by the coach should be feared; with all respect for a champion like Giroud, now that he's leaving I'll let him play his farewell match [against Salernitana] and I'll let someone else play this one; if I have to say a name, apart from Leao who obviously does what he wants, he decides whether to win the match or not, whether to overshadow himself or not, another who can split the matches could be Chukwueze.”
The 60-year-old featured for Milan between 1993 and 1996.
