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Samuel Chukwueze got his first start for AC Milan in the Champions League opener against Newcastle but failed to impress.
AC Milan were held to a goalless draw at home to Newcastle United in what is a disappointing result within the context of the game.
The Rossoneri created a barrage of chances especially in the first half but could not find the back of the net as Newcastle eventually grew into the game as it went on.
One notable part of the game was Samuel Chukwueze who was thrust into the starting lineup in a front three comprising of Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
It was the first time manager Stefano Pioli started Chukwueze in a game since signing the Nigerian from Villarreal for €20 million.
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Chukwueze was however replaced just after the hour mark, painting the picture that the manager was unimpressed which may be bad for the Super Eagles star.
The numbers behind Samuel Chukwueze’s first AC Milan start
Chukwueze was not the reason AC Milan failed to beat Newcastle, his performance was not bad although not great either.
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It was a blindingly average display from a player who needed a great performance on the night to convince his new manager to continue trusting him from the start ahead of fellow new signing, Christian Pulisic who seems to be Pioli’s favourite on the right so far.
In 61 minutes of football, Chukwueze had 36 touches and two shots, one each on and off target.
He also missed a big chance in the first half but in his defence, the poor finishing was a team-wide problem on the night as AC Milan failed to score from an xG of 2.06.
He completed 14 of his 20 attempted passes with a 70% accuracy while also completing one out of two crosses and two out of three long balls.
He only won three out of nine ground duels and won his only aerial duel but lost possession of the ball 12 times.
What next for Samuel Chukwueze?
This whole thing may seem like an overreaction as the season is still in its infancy, there will be many more games for Chukwueze to shine for AC Milan.
However, football can also be quite unforgiving and the longer it takes for a new signing to earn his manager’s trust, the harder it becomes to establish himself.
As earlier mentioned, Christian Pulisic has been Pioli’s first choice on the right with the indispensable Rafael Leao featuring in his preferred left-wing position.
Although when they were both signed in the summer transfer window, it was expected that Chukwueze would be the favourite to start on the right as that is his best position and Pulisic ideally prefers to play from the left of the attack.
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But the American saw a chance on the right and grabbed it, with two goals and multiple great displays in four games before tonight.
One might even argue the only reason Pulisic was dropped for this game was because Milan suffered a 5-1 drubbing in the Derby Della Madonina at the weekend and the manager felt the need to shake things up.
The point is, in a team like AC Milan where attacking options are plenty, every opportunity to impress the coach is important.
Chukwueze will get more chances as the season progresses and the onus is on him to grab it with both hands when he is once again called upon.
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