Samuel Chukwueze has become a name on the lips many football pundits across the world due to his impressive performance in the 2018-019 La Liga season.
After joining Villarreal just in 2017, Chukwueze’s talent has seen him rise to the senior team where he made his first-team debut in September 2018.
He has been eye-catching since his debut, impressing in a couple of games, and despite Villarreal’s struggles last season, his stock has risen steadily.
He came into the spotlight when he dazzled in Villarreal's 4-4 against Barcelona, where he dazzled with his pace and sublime skills that kept Pique on his toes.
It was the 19-year-old’s goal and assist that drew the Yellow Submarine level from 2-0 down, and his sublime performance that proved the catalyst for an unlikely point.
Dubbed as the ‘New Robben', the former Diamond Football Academy star, also became the toast of Villarreal fans when he spearheaded the team attack that tormented Marcelo and the whole Real Madrid defence.
Despite playing less than 20 matches in Europe, Chukwueze has already found himself compared to one of the game's greatest modern attackers. As a left-footed right-winger with the constant desire to take defenders on and fire at goal, it's impossible not to see aspects of the Dutchman's game in Chukwueze.
According to a release on UEFA’s official website, the 20-year-old Chukwueze, who was a member of the Super Eagles squad at the just-concluded 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, remains the only Nigerian youngster, rated highly by UEFA’s team of reporters.
In addition, the body further explained the choice of Chukwueze as a potential star in the making in the new season, wrote: ”Precocious winger with UEFA Europa League experience; the Nigeria Football Federation's young player of the year for 2017/18”.
Samuel Chukwueze is an absolute star. The Nigerian teenager has Villarreal back in it against Barca. Can't imagine he'll be at the yellow submarines next season. Top class. #LaLiga
— Kevin Egan (@kev_egan) April 2, 2019
Although there have been calls for Chukwueze to move to a club bigger than Villarreal in order for him to achieve his full potential, however, it would be ideal for the youngster to nurture his game in Villarreal than leave the club.
The Submarine still remains one of the top clubs as far as Spanish League is a concern and his development can be guaranteed with the club. No doubt, joining a bigger club would give him a bigger exposure, but then, it's not a guarantee that he will be assured first-team football.
There have been big stars who joined bigger clubs in Europe all in the name of polishing and establishing themselves but end up warming the bench due to coaches' choice of tactics.
Players such as Ryan Babel, Philippe Coutinho, Michael Owen, Julius Aghahowa to mention a few, that have graced the world stage only to make a decision that brought their game down.
Chukwueze has the ability to excel in any given club in Europe, however, it would be advisable to remain patient and take the development of his football in a gradual process in order not to fall victim of regret after joining a big club.
Yes we have but he is underrated because I don’t have God father he is the V. captain of the bronz winning Olympic football games Azubike Okechukwu