Stunning Samuel Chukwueze revival earns praise from Fabio Capello

Nigerian winger impresses in unfamiliar role as AC Milan begin Serie A campaign with victory

Samuel Chukwueze’s impressive performance in AC Milan’s 2-1 win over Torino has prompted former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello to describe the Nigerian winger as a “completely different player”.

Chukwueze started Sunday’s Serie A opener at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in an unfamiliar right wing-back role as Ruben Amorim deployed Milan in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

The Nigeria international was among Milan’s most effective players before being substituted for Alexis Saelemaekers in the 66th minute.

His display represented a significant change from the player Capello had criticised following Chukwueze’s arrival at Milan from Villarreal in 2023.

Capello impressed by Chukwueze’s transformation

Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport after Milan’s victory, Capello praised the early influence of Amorim and highlighted Chukwueze’s contribution to the team’s performance.

“Moving on to AC Milan, however, we’ve already begun to see some of Amorim’s influence, starting with a very intense first half,” Capello wrote as per Livescore.

“The Rossoneri have already shown a desire to implement what their coach asks of them: a game plan, for a real match from the start. Speaking of which, Chukwueze certainly deserves a mention, as he struck me as a completely different player than he was two years ago.”

Chukwueze’s performance provided evidence of the change Capello was referring to.

Rather than operating solely as an attacking winger, the 27-year-old was given responsibility on the right flank in both phases of play.

He was expected to provide width when Milan attacked and retreat into the defensive line when Torino had possession.

Chukwueze makes attacking impact

The Nigerian quickly showed that his influence would extend beyond his defensive responsibilities.

In the 30th minute, Chukwueze moved inside from the right before shooting with his left foot from inside the penalty area.

Torino goalkeeper Diego Mascardi prevented him from scoring by making a save with his foot.

Chukwueze was involved again shortly afterwards when he delivered a cross towards Alphadjo Cissé. The opportunity ended with Cissé heading wide.

His most decisive contribution came after the interval.

Milan took the lead in the 64th minute when Cissé completed a move involving Adrien Rabiot.

Just two minutes later, Chukwueze provided the cross from which Rabiot scored Milan’s second goal.

The assist completed a productive individual display and highlighted the attacking value he brought from his new position.

Chukwueze created four chances and recorded nine touches inside Torino’s penalty area.

His 7.5 rating from StatMuse was also among Milan’s highest for the match.

Amorim gives Nigerian a new role

The significance of Chukwueze’s performance was heightened by the fact that he was operating in a position he has rarely occupied during his career.

Amorim used the Nigerian as a wing-back, giving Milan an energetic outlet on the right side while requiring him to contribute defensively.

The Portuguese coach had worked during pre-season on giving Chukwueze responsibility across the right flank, a tactical adjustment that offered the winger more opportunities to influence the game.

That approach is particularly notable given that Chukwueze has spent much of his career as an attacking player rather than a wing-back.

A major change from Capello’s previous verdict

Capello’s latest assessment is markedly different from his comments after Chukwueze joined Milan.

In November 2023, only months after the Italian club paid €20m for the former Villarreal player, Capello questioned Milan’s summer recruitment and referred to Chukwueze as an example.

He noted that Chukwueze had produced “wonderful things” at Villarreal but described him as “still a shy player” at Milan.

Capello also highlighted the demands of playing at San Siro, arguing that wearing the Milan shirt required “a considerable amount of personality”.

His criticism continued in December 2024 when he said Milan needed a right-sided attacker capable of offering the same threat traditionally provided from the left.

He added: “Unfortunately, Chukwueze has never really clicked and there is no alternative with similar characteristics.”

Almost two years later, Capello’s assessment has changed significantly.

Chukwueze now has an opportunity to build on his encouraging start under Amorim.

Milan’s next league match will see them face Venezia at San Siro, where the Nigerian will look to produce another performance capable of reinforcing the growing belief that a new version of the winger is emerging.