The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games gold medalist has offered insight and shared wisdom with the former Villarreal winger
Former Inter Milan and AC Milan defender Taribo West has offered Samuel Chukwueze valuable advice for his success at San Siro, Soccernet.ng reports.
Taribo, one of a handful of players to have donned the iconic black and blue of Milan’s two biggest clubs, is convinced that Chukwueze has made the right decision to switch Villarreal for Milan.
Milan won the race to Chukwueze’s signature during the summer window as the Nigeria international ended his five-year association with Villarreal.
Since his arrival at the San Siro at the beginning of the season, Chukwueze has encountered challenges establishing himself within Milan’s starting lineup.
This predicament appears to be a familiar one for Nigerian players at Milan, as exemplified by Chukwueze’s predecessors: Taye Taiwo, Aliyu Datti, Nnamdi Oduamadi, and Taribo West, none of whom managed to amass more than ten appearances for the Rossoneri during their respective time there.
West himself, despite his experience at city rivals Inter Milan, only graced the AC Milan pitch on four occasions before departing, initially on loan to Derby County and subsequently making a permanent move to FC Kaiserslautern in 2001.
In the current campaign, Chukwueze has featured in eight games for AC Milan but has found himself in the starting lineup on just two occasions.
However, West remains optimistic about Chukwueze’s prospects at Milan, asserting that the Nigerian forward has made a wise career choice.
“I think he made one of his best career choices by going to Milan,” West expressed to ESPN.
“We will see the best of Chukwueze at Milan. I believe it is the best for him because Milan is a club that will give him the atmosphere and grounds to bring out his best abilities.
“They have the structures to take a player to a different level, especially for a young player who really wants to make it.”
Acknowledging Chukwueze’s undeniable talent, West emphasized the importance of certain key elements the young player should embrace to thrive in Italy.
“But there are certain things that he needs to add to his game, and they will help him there to polish it,” West continued.
“He also needs to do his part. As a young boy who has fought from the background of nowhere to get to where he is, he should carry the same fight and the same hard work to Milan.
“What he needs to do is put his head down, forget about all the lights, the distraction and everything else, listen to his coaches, analyze his mistakes, and work with them to get better with every game.”
Chukwueze has already made his Champions League debut for AC Milan against Newcastle on September 19 and made a substitute appearance in the goalless draw with Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday.
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