Former Barcelona boss, Quique Setien, has heaped praise on Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze, calling him an “extraordinary player” after the Nigerian’s historic, man-of-the-match performance against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, reports Soccernet.ng.
Chukwueze scored twice to lead Villarreal to a 3-2 comeback win that forced a match commentator to keep referring to other illustrious Nigerian heroes, including Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, and Nwankwo Kanu.
Chukwueze canceled out a sixth-minute own goal by teammate Paul Torres when he juked past Nacho Fernandez to score his first goal in the 39th minute.
Vinicius put Madrid back in front shortly after halftime after he eluded a pack of defenders, but Chukwueze made a pass that led to substitute Jose Morales’ equaliser in the 70th. The forward then struck the 80th-minute winner from long range to stun the Santiago Bernabeu.
Setien has praised Chukwueze’s performance and labeled him an “extraordinary player”.
The Villarreal coach said, “For a few weeks, he’s been giving us a lot; he’s a permanent threat. Not just in goals, but in passes, chances, he’s an extraordinary player who is giving us a lot.”
Chukwueze’s performance also saw him equal Lionel Messi’s dribbling record set in Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Real Madrid in 2017.
The Nigerian completed seven successful dribbles in his Man of the Match display against Real Madrid, becoming the first player to complete seven dribbles in a La Liga match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu since Messi completed seven take-ons in April 2017.
Chukwueze’s outstanding performance helped Villarreal to fifth on the La Liga table, two points clear of Real Betis. With 24 goal involvements (13 goals, 11 assists) in 40 outings across all competitions this season, Chukwueze has championed his side’s quest for a European place.
