Ex-AC Milan star identifies key area Chukwueze must improve

Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze will be hoping to revive his career at AC Milan and establish himself as a regular under new manager Ruben Amorim in the 2026-27 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze has endured an inconsistent spell at the Rossoneri since joining from Villarreal in 2023. The Nigerian forward has shown flashes of his quality but has struggled to produce those performances consistently.

After enjoying an impressive spell at Villarreal, Chukwueze has found it difficult to replicate the same level of consistency since moving to AC Milan and eventually became more of a fringe player.

He spent last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham, where he enjoyed some impressive moments. However, the Cottagers ultimately decided against making his move permanent, leaving further questions over his long-term future.

With interest from Turkish Cup winners Trabzonspor and a potential return to La Liga, Chukwueze's future at Milan appeared uncertain. 

However, following Amorim's arrival, the Super Eagles star could now have an opportunity to play a bigger role at the club, although there is one area of his game that he must improve.

Ex-AC Milan star Serginho reveals what Chukwueze must improve 

Amorim's arrival initially raised questions over Chukwueze's future because it was unclear where he would fit into the Portuguese coach's preferred 3-4-2-1 system. However, he appears to have found a possible role in the new setup after being deployed as a wing-back during his first training sessions under Amorim and also in their preseason matches

Former AC Milan and Brazil star Serginho has now explained the area Chukwueze needs to improve if he wants to secure more regular playing time under the Portuguese manager.

According to the two-time UEFA Champions League winner, the Nigerian forward must improve his defensive work and become more comfortable with the responsibilities that come with playing in a more defensive role.

“I was already following him in Spain, at Villarreal, and he was very strong, decisive. In Milan it was less, at least until today: now, however, he is showing that he deserves a second chance”, the former Flamengo star said, via Gazzetta.

“Of course, in the new system he will have to change his way of playing: he will have more defensive tasks, he will have to come back more, with movements almost like a right-back.

“In the pre-season he attacked well but also suffered in defence, especially when fast and left-footed opponents pointed at him, or in quick game changes in which he must learn to be more ready.”

Chukwueze has enjoyed a strong pre-season with AC Milan and has provided glimpses of the form that made the club sign him from Villarreal. One of his standout moments came against Manchester United, when he scored once and provided two assists as Milan secured a 4-2 victory in their first win of pre-season.

The performance has given the 27-year-old hope of playing a more important role this season, especially with Amorim experimenting with him in a different position.

Serginho believes Chukwueze has the qualities to succeed under Amorim, although he warned that the final decision will rest with the manager and that the player must prove himself.

“He has different characteristics, he is led to think only about the attack phase: now he will be called to a big change. It will be up to Amorim to see if it can be completed or not.”

Chukwueze will now be hoping to make the most of his opportunity and the Super Eagles forward could be given a new challenge in the wing-back position as he looks to revive his career and establish himself as an important member of Amorim's squad.

AC Milan will begin their 2026-27 Serie A campaign away from home when they travel to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino to face Torino on Sunday night.