Samuel Chukwueze appears to have found a new route to reviving his AC Milan career, with Ruben Amorim’s tactical experiment turning the Nigeria international into a wingback and giving him renewed confidence ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 27-year-old made the most of his opportunity during Milan’s 4-2 pre-season victory over Manchester United in Wroclaw on Saturday, contributing one goal and two assists in an eye-catching display.
It was the kind of performance Chukwueze needed after returning to Milan from a loan spell at Fulham, where he had shown flashes of his ability but ultimately failed to earn a permanent move.
Now, under Amorim, the former Villarreal winger is being asked to operate in an unfamiliar position, and he believes the trust shown by his new coach can help him make the most of a fresh opportunity.
Chukwueze has spent most of his career operating as an attacking winger, relying on his pace, dribbling and ability to take defenders on.
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Amorim, however, has been experimenting with him in a wingback role, a significant tactical adjustment that requires the Nigerian to contribute more consistently without the ball while still exploiting his attacking qualities.
Rather than resist the change, Chukwueze has embraced it.
“Yes, he’s a good coach. He trusts me, so he gave me an opportunity. Now it’s up to me to seize it,” Chukwueze told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He simply gave me faith, and I think I have to take advantage of it. I can’t waste this once in a lifetime opportunity, returning to Milan after my loan.”
The Nigerian acknowledges that adapting will not happen overnight.
“It’s a position I have to adapt to because I’ve never played in this position in my career,” he said.
“As a footballer, if a coach wants you to play in this position, you have to do it by believing in yourself and in the coach, because he knows what he wants.”
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The encouraging performance against Manchester United has strengthened Chukwueze’s belief that the experiment can work.
He also recognizes that his defensive and positional responsibilities require further development.
“For me, I think it’s something I need to work on. It’s my first time playing in this position, so I’m continuing to work hard. I need to improve every practice.”
The winger credited Amorim and the coaching staff for helping him understand the demands of his new role, particularly when mistakes occur during training.
“Every time I make a mistake, he tells me, ‘Oh, Chukwueze, this is what you have to do.’ So I think I’ll improve before the season starts.”
Chukwueze agrees the challenge is as much mental as tactical.
“I just have to keep working hard, believing in myself and that I can do it. For me, it’s an opportunity I have to seize. I know it’s a difficult task, but I believe in myself. I know I can do it, that I can do anything.”
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Chukwueze’s return to Milan comes after a season on loan at Fulham, where he recorded three goals and four assists in 23 Premier League appearances.
He also developed a strong Nigerian connection at Craven Cottage alongside Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
Fulham ultimately chose not to activate the €26m purchase option included in the loan agreement, sending Chukwueze back to Italy with another opportunity to establish himself at Milan. that opportunity has now arrived in an unexpected form.
Having joined Milan in 2023, Chukwueze has yet to consistently reproduce the attacking influence that made him one of the most exciting wingers in La Liga.
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