Marco Silva backs Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze to boost Fulham’s attack

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has tipped Nigeria international Samuel Chukwueze to make an immediate impact at Craven Cottage after completing a Deadline Day loan move from AC Milan.

The winger is in line to debut for the Cottagers this weekend alongside fellow new signing Kevin when they face Leeds United on Saturday.

Chukwueze, who arrived on an initial season-long loan, linked up with his new teammates on Thursday after returning from international duty with Nigeria.

Kevin, a 22-year-old wide player signed from Shakhtar Donetsk, has already spent a week training at Motspur Park with no international commitments, giving Silva a closer look at the Ukrainian-based prospect.

“We believe the profiles of Chukwueze and Kevin will add to what we’ve been looking for in those areas of the pitch,” Silva told the club’s official website. “With Adama, Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi, they’re going to be our solutions for the wide areas of the pitch.”

Silva underlined Kevin’s readiness to adapt quickly: “Kevin has settled in well. He’s working hard to understand everything we need from him. He’s very young, 22-years-old, but he has the experience of playing Champions League and European games.”

The Portuguese coach said Thursday was his first opportunity to work directly with Chukwueze, who was still on international duty when Kevin arrived.

“The first time I saw Chukwueze and Jonah (Kusi-Asare) was yesterday, but Kevin is slightly different because he’s been with us for the last 10 days. Him and Chukwueze are going to help us,” he added.