AC Milan coach Paulo Fonseca praised Samuel Chukwueze’s defensive work rate in a 3-0 victory over Empoli at the San Siro on Sunday.
The Super Eagles winger, who was in the starting lineup for Milan’s 3-2 Champions League win over Slovan Bratislava last week, was relegated to the bench with Fonseca preferring Yunus Musah on the right wing as the Rossoneri extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions.
Speaking after the match, which saw Tijjani Reijnders bag a brace after Alvaro Morata’s opener, Fonseca explained his tactical decision while highlighting Chukwueze’s impact after coming on as a substitute.
“I’m really enjoying Musah there. Empoli played a lot of long balls and it was important to have this role to help the team. I was also very happy with Chukwueze in this role. This module gives us balance,” Fonseca said at the post-match conference.
The 24-year-old nearly grabbed an assist late in the game when his cross found Tammy Abraham at the back post, but the English striker could only shoot wide from point-blank range.
Chukwueze has struggled to secure a regular starting spot since his summer move to Milan, making 13 appearances across all competitions with one goal to his name.
His situation has reportedly attracted interest from Turkish giants Besiktas, who are considering a January move for the former Villarreal man.
However, Milan views the Nigerian international as crucial cover for Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, which could complicate any potential transfer despite Besiktas’s eagerness to add the winger to their ranks.
Chukwueze will hope he gets more starting opportunities as Milan looks to maintain their recent upturn in form following a difficult start to the season.
