“I saw football as entertainment” – Villarreal star Samuel Chukwueze admits the changes he made to his game

The youngster was a World Cup winner in his teens, but he confesses that he has had to adapt his game to become a better player

Villarreal star Samuel Chukwueze has revealed the improvement that many have observed in his game is because the way he views football has changed, and his tactical understanding of the game has improved.

Chukwueze’s talent has never been in doubt since the youngster wowed the world while helping Nigeria win the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, alongside Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

The exciting winger continued his development at Villarreal, where he made his first-team breakthrough three years ago.

But despite scoring seven La Liga goals in his first two years with the Yellow Submarines and thrilling fans with a few magical moments, Chukwueze often left a feeling of a delightfully technical player needing to get better tactically.

But bit by bit, the 22-year-old shows progress on that end and has earned the trust of manager Unai Emery who has made him a regular name in the team’s starting eleven.

This season alone, he has smashed five goals and two assists, including a stunning solo goal against Barcelona. 

Earlier this year, the Super Eagles ace became the youngest player to amass a century of appearances for Villarreal, and he is clear about the changes that have lifted his game.

“I think my game has changed so much, coming from Nigeria to come and play in Europe at Villarreal CF,” Chukwueze told Livescore as per the Nation.

“Before, I saw football as entertainment just to play how I want, attack, and dribble to entertain the fans.

“Now, I think I understand what it means to be tactically disciplined, knowing when to attack, when to defend. I think my overall understanding of the game has changed a huge amount.”

Chukwueze was excellent as Villarreal knocked Arsenal out of the Europa League in the semifinal stage.

However, the Nigerian forward is a massive doubt for the final against another English giant, Manchester United, after picking an injury in the return leg versus the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium.