Portuguese striker Rafael Leao has tipped Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze to carry his pre-season form into the new campaign with AC Milan, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze has been brilliant for AC Milan in their pre-season so far. The Super Eagles star was key in their 3-2 win over Manchester City earlier in the week, as he provided two assists to spur his side to victory.
Then on thursday, the 25-year-old forward turned up clutch, as he scored the solitary goal in AC Milan’s 1-0 win against UEFA Champions League holder Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Portuguese forward Leao, who just resumed for pre-season after an extended break due to his participation at the UEFA Euros, has been impressed with what he has seen from his Nigerian teammate. Leao, believes Chukwueze could have a great season if he can maintain his confidence and get more game time.
“When you don’t play a lot it becomes difficult to show what you can do but, from what I’ve seen, Chuk (Chukwueze) has more confidence, he wants to have the ball and make a difference. That’s what I was waiting for. If he continues like this, he’ll have a great season,” Leao told SOS Fanta.
For most of his career, Chukwueze’s problem has been consistency. He tends to have good patches and then goes off after a few good games. However, with his brilliant start to life under the tutelage of coach Paulo Fonseca, next season could just be the campaign when he will blossom.