The Nigerian youngster has had a less-than-excellent campaign in Spain this term, but an African icon is tipping him for future greatness
Ex-Mali international Frederic Kanoute has charged Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze to become more decisive with his final ball as he has the potential to become the best player in Africa.
Chukwueze enjoyed a breakthrough season last term for the Yellow Submarines, earning rave reviews and getting nominated for top awards.
The 21-year-old was widely expected to kick on to a higher level this campaign, but he has managed only four goals and four assists in 30 appearances.
Kanoute, though, is convinced that Chukwueze is still on the path of development.
The 2007 African Player of the Year hopes that the youngster follows in his footstep of winning the African best player award while playing in La Liga.
“La Liga has exciting players that can win the African Footballer of the Year award, Thomas Partey is doing very well now. We also have Samuel Chukwueze, who is still young and playing very well for Villarreal,” the former Tottenham striker said in an interview as per the Punch.
“I know he will be in contention for the award in years to come.
Chukwueze is renowned for his quick feet and dribbling ability, but Kanoute urges him to look towards becoming more decisive in front of goal as that would determine his worth going forward.
“Football has the technical part, the tactical part, and the mental part as well, which is very important,” the former Sevilla star added.
“If he keeps a very high level of discipline and work ethics, I think he is a kid that can be very impressive in the coming months and years for La Liga.
“So, it depends on how much dedication he is going to put into his work and if he becomes a little bit more decisive, maybe scoring more goals, and being more decisive in terms of assists, because at the end of the day, he is going to be judged by his stats.
“It doesn’t matter that he can do three stepovers and dribble people if he doesn’t have an impact on his team, it’s going to be very difficult.”
“He will learn that he is still young, so I wish him all the best.”
