Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
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Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
By Patrick Mills - March 26, 2019
Since their Under-17 World Cup triumph in 2015, Nigerian supporters have maintained a keen interest in the development of their latest crop of talented footballers. Almost four years on, no-one is shining more brightly than Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze.
His dribbling ability and tendency to shoot from range have brought about comparisons with Arjen Robben, and reports have him linked with another of Europe’s elite sides. This analysis will assess the 19 years old’s quality with the help of statistics.
Story so far
Born in Ikwuano, Samuel Chukwueze honed his skills at the Diamond Football Academy between the ages of 12 and 17. He was then signed by La Liga club Villarreal, despite serious interest from Arsenal.
Having performed well for the Yellow Submarine’s reserves, Chukwueze made his first-team debut in September of last year. Since then, his positive style of play has seen him attract attention from the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. He also made his senior international debut for Nigeria in November 2018.
Naturally left-footed, the super eagle almost always plays on the right wing, looking to cut infield at every opportunity. His heat map from the domestic campaign can be seen below.
Dribbling
Chukwueze’s ability to carry the ball beyond defenders means that his teams often look to isolate him on the right flank. By building the play on the opposite side, they draw the opposition defensive shape over, leaving space on the right for the youngster to exploit.
The opposition will regularly double-up on him in an attempt to prevent his progression into the box. However, Chukwueze’s close control and trickery consistently see him outplay multiple defenders before arriving in the box.
The image below shows an instance in which the wide man has been fed the ball on the right, with two Rayo Vallecano defenders partnering up in their attempts to dispossess him. Despite their efforts, Chukwueze manages to drive between them with the ball at his feet before arriving in the penalty area and dragging his shot into the side-netting.
While his dribbling qualities allow him to exploit the space out wide, they also mean he can play through more congested channels in the centre. As mentioned previously, he has a natural tendency to carry the ball infield diagonally, engaging a number of opponents and disorganising their defensive unit in the process.
Even in these tight spaces, Chukwueze has the close control to exit the pressure and penetrate the last line of defence. The image below illustrates this. Having dribbled towards the middle, he feints to go further infield, unsettling the closest defender. He then takes advantage by dribbling through the gap that’s been created before lining up a finish.
With Bilbao’s defence left in his wake, Chukwueze calmly slots the ball past the keeper.
On average this season, he completes 8.94 dribbles per game, successfully completing 73.4% of them. Both figures rank higher than the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Raheem Sterling. The stats become more impressive when you consider Villarreal’s struggles this term, with Javier Calleja’s side languishing in 17th, just four points outside the relegation zone.
Final ball
As is often the case with talented young dribblers, Chukwueze occasionally over-plays, often to the frustration of his teammates. He sometimes tries to carry the attack by himself, regularly bypassing three or four defenders along the way.
However, he doesn’t always take full advantage of the defensive pressure applied to him. In the image below, he had previously taken two defenders out of the game on the wing. As he arrives in the box, he has successfully engaged four opponents.
This leaves at least two of his teammates free to receive in the box, with a clearer opening to goal than Chukwueze has been afforded. Instead of squaring the ball to the striker, he tries to score himself, scuffing the attempt wide with the shooting angles closed off.
Although the image above represents a pattern of his game, there are also plenty of occasions in which he makes the right decision with his final action.
Cutting onto his stronger left foot, he often plays through-balls behind the opponent’s last line, as well as sometimes picking out teammates with a delivery to the back post. Despite his ability to bypass defenders, he rarely goes on the outside, and so his crossing numbers aren’t as high as you might expect for a winger so adept in one-on-one scenarios.
This season, he has recorded an average of 1.41 crosses, with 39.7% finding their target. In 17 La Liga appearances, he has managed just one assist, coming early on in his side’s 2-2 draw at home to Real Madrid.
The image below provides an example of Chukwueze dribbling into the centre, drawing opposing players into defensive actions, and leaving gaps in their back line. He retains his composure on this occasion, recognising that a shooting opportunity doesn’t exist, and that Santi Cazorla is arriving as the free man on the left. The former Arsenal midfielder receives a perfectly weighted pass before curling his effort beyond Thibaut Courtois.
As is to be expected for such a young player, the consistency of Chukwueze’s end product still has some way to go if he is to make the step up to a Champions League club. His pass accuracy stands at 77.7%, but his decisions regarding when to shoot and when to find a teammate have prevented him from improving on his single assist this term.
The Nigerian Robben
As we’ve seen, Chukwueze’s game is based on receiving on the right before cutting infield. This, combined with his tendency to shoot from range upon arriving on the edge of the box, has lead many to draw comparisons with Dutchman Arjen Robben.
The sequence below provides another example of his penchant for cutting inside. After Villarreal overload the left side of the pitch, the striker plays it out to Chukwueze in a one-on-one in the right half-space.
Having taken his first touch forward into space, the Nigerian international creates the right angle to shoot, finding the top corner with a powerfully struck effort.
In the example above, he positions himself in the half-spaces, recognising that staying in the wide channel wasn’t the appropriate option. Had he done so, his teammates’ pass would have had further to travel, allowing the defence to shuttle across and close out the space.
In the next example, Chukwueze appreciates that positioning himself further out wide is more appropriate based on the positional landscape. The centre becomes congested by opposing players, and the winger can provide the out-ball to the right of the block. He receives from the attacking midfielder, before engaging the opponent’s left-back.
With the conditions created for a shot on goal, Chukwueze curls the ball into the far corner to get his team back in the game.
While we frequently see him cut infield and shoot from outside the box, Chukwueze has only managed to score three times in 17 games so far this campaign. As we’ve discovered in Robben’s case, predictability in terms of dribbling inside and releasing a shot doesn’t exactly make it any easier to stop.
Throughout Chukwueze’s career, we can expect to see this sort of action. However, over-reliance on his left foot tends to result in him cutting infield even when the scenario calls for a progression down the outside. If he can become more versatile in this regard, he is sure to become a productive winger at the highest level.
In terms of defensive contribution, he has also impressed, turning over possession for his side 4.43 times per game. He is generally diligent in supporting his full-back without the ball, albeit occasionally making late recovery runs, and allowing the opponent’s left-back to arrive in the final third on his blind-side.
Conclusion
Despite reported interest from across the continent, Samuel Chukwueze might be best placed remaining at the Estadio de la Ceramica for at least another season. Assuming they manage to avoid the drop, Villarreal can offer him regular game time with which to develop further.
If he can become more consistent with his final actions, as well as adding another dimension to his profile, Chukwueze has the potential to become Nigeria’s leading light in the coming years.
https://totalfootballanalysis.com/playe ... statistics
By Patrick Mills - March 26, 2019
Since their Under-17 World Cup triumph in 2015, Nigerian supporters have maintained a keen interest in the development of their latest crop of talented footballers. Almost four years on, no-one is shining more brightly than Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze.
His dribbling ability and tendency to shoot from range have brought about comparisons with Arjen Robben, and reports have him linked with another of Europe’s elite sides. This analysis will assess the 19 years old’s quality with the help of statistics.
Story so far
Born in Ikwuano, Samuel Chukwueze honed his skills at the Diamond Football Academy between the ages of 12 and 17. He was then signed by La Liga club Villarreal, despite serious interest from Arsenal.
Having performed well for the Yellow Submarine’s reserves, Chukwueze made his first-team debut in September of last year. Since then, his positive style of play has seen him attract attention from the likes of Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. He also made his senior international debut for Nigeria in November 2018.
Naturally left-footed, the super eagle almost always plays on the right wing, looking to cut infield at every opportunity. His heat map from the domestic campaign can be seen below.
Dribbling
Chukwueze’s ability to carry the ball beyond defenders means that his teams often look to isolate him on the right flank. By building the play on the opposite side, they draw the opposition defensive shape over, leaving space on the right for the youngster to exploit.
The opposition will regularly double-up on him in an attempt to prevent his progression into the box. However, Chukwueze’s close control and trickery consistently see him outplay multiple defenders before arriving in the box.
The image below shows an instance in which the wide man has been fed the ball on the right, with two Rayo Vallecano defenders partnering up in their attempts to dispossess him. Despite their efforts, Chukwueze manages to drive between them with the ball at his feet before arriving in the penalty area and dragging his shot into the side-netting.
While his dribbling qualities allow him to exploit the space out wide, they also mean he can play through more congested channels in the centre. As mentioned previously, he has a natural tendency to carry the ball infield diagonally, engaging a number of opponents and disorganising their defensive unit in the process.
Even in these tight spaces, Chukwueze has the close control to exit the pressure and penetrate the last line of defence. The image below illustrates this. Having dribbled towards the middle, he feints to go further infield, unsettling the closest defender. He then takes advantage by dribbling through the gap that’s been created before lining up a finish.
With Bilbao’s defence left in his wake, Chukwueze calmly slots the ball past the keeper.
On average this season, he completes 8.94 dribbles per game, successfully completing 73.4% of them. Both figures rank higher than the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Raheem Sterling. The stats become more impressive when you consider Villarreal’s struggles this term, with Javier Calleja’s side languishing in 17th, just four points outside the relegation zone.
Final ball
As is often the case with talented young dribblers, Chukwueze occasionally over-plays, often to the frustration of his teammates. He sometimes tries to carry the attack by himself, regularly bypassing three or four defenders along the way.
However, he doesn’t always take full advantage of the defensive pressure applied to him. In the image below, he had previously taken two defenders out of the game on the wing. As he arrives in the box, he has successfully engaged four opponents.
This leaves at least two of his teammates free to receive in the box, with a clearer opening to goal than Chukwueze has been afforded. Instead of squaring the ball to the striker, he tries to score himself, scuffing the attempt wide with the shooting angles closed off.
Although the image above represents a pattern of his game, there are also plenty of occasions in which he makes the right decision with his final action.
Cutting onto his stronger left foot, he often plays through-balls behind the opponent’s last line, as well as sometimes picking out teammates with a delivery to the back post. Despite his ability to bypass defenders, he rarely goes on the outside, and so his crossing numbers aren’t as high as you might expect for a winger so adept in one-on-one scenarios.
This season, he has recorded an average of 1.41 crosses, with 39.7% finding their target. In 17 La Liga appearances, he has managed just one assist, coming early on in his side’s 2-2 draw at home to Real Madrid.
The image below provides an example of Chukwueze dribbling into the centre, drawing opposing players into defensive actions, and leaving gaps in their back line. He retains his composure on this occasion, recognising that a shooting opportunity doesn’t exist, and that Santi Cazorla is arriving as the free man on the left. The former Arsenal midfielder receives a perfectly weighted pass before curling his effort beyond Thibaut Courtois.
As is to be expected for such a young player, the consistency of Chukwueze’s end product still has some way to go if he is to make the step up to a Champions League club. His pass accuracy stands at 77.7%, but his decisions regarding when to shoot and when to find a teammate have prevented him from improving on his single assist this term.
The Nigerian Robben
As we’ve seen, Chukwueze’s game is based on receiving on the right before cutting infield. This, combined with his tendency to shoot from range upon arriving on the edge of the box, has lead many to draw comparisons with Dutchman Arjen Robben.
The sequence below provides another example of his penchant for cutting inside. After Villarreal overload the left side of the pitch, the striker plays it out to Chukwueze in a one-on-one in the right half-space.
Having taken his first touch forward into space, the Nigerian international creates the right angle to shoot, finding the top corner with a powerfully struck effort.
In the example above, he positions himself in the half-spaces, recognising that staying in the wide channel wasn’t the appropriate option. Had he done so, his teammates’ pass would have had further to travel, allowing the defence to shuttle across and close out the space.
In the next example, Chukwueze appreciates that positioning himself further out wide is more appropriate based on the positional landscape. The centre becomes congested by opposing players, and the winger can provide the out-ball to the right of the block. He receives from the attacking midfielder, before engaging the opponent’s left-back.
With the conditions created for a shot on goal, Chukwueze curls the ball into the far corner to get his team back in the game.
While we frequently see him cut infield and shoot from outside the box, Chukwueze has only managed to score three times in 17 games so far this campaign. As we’ve discovered in Robben’s case, predictability in terms of dribbling inside and releasing a shot doesn’t exactly make it any easier to stop.
Throughout Chukwueze’s career, we can expect to see this sort of action. However, over-reliance on his left foot tends to result in him cutting infield even when the scenario calls for a progression down the outside. If he can become more versatile in this regard, he is sure to become a productive winger at the highest level.
In terms of defensive contribution, he has also impressed, turning over possession for his side 4.43 times per game. He is generally diligent in supporting his full-back without the ball, albeit occasionally making late recovery runs, and allowing the opponent’s left-back to arrive in the final third on his blind-side.
Conclusion
Despite reported interest from across the continent, Samuel Chukwueze might be best placed remaining at the Estadio de la Ceramica for at least another season. Assuming they manage to avoid the drop, Villarreal can offer him regular game time with which to develop further.
If he can become more consistent with his final actions, as well as adding another dimension to his profile, Chukwueze has the potential to become Nigeria’s leading light in the coming years.
https://totalfootballanalysis.com/playe ... statistics
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Bigpokey24
- Super Eagle
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Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
hype machine in full effects
SuperEagles
© Bigpokey24, most loved on CE
My post are with no warranties and confers zero rights. Get out your feelings
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© Bigpokey24, most loved on CE
My post are with no warranties and confers zero rights. Get out your feelings
It is not authorized by CyberEagles. You assume all risk for your use.
All rights aren't reserved
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
BP, it is no shame to receive a compliment. And no crime to give one.Bigpokey24 wrote:hype machine in full effects
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
Samu is a real Jewel in the making, but the worst thing he can do for his career is to leave Villareal now.
What he needs more than anything else, is 1st team playing time, and there is zero chance on the planet he gets that in Bayern or Athletico Madrid.
I hope he gives himself 1 or 2 extra seasons in Villareal to really hone his craft and get comfortable.
Then, the big clubs will come begging for him.
What he needs more than anything else, is 1st team playing time, and there is zero chance on the planet he gets that in Bayern or Athletico Madrid.
I hope he gives himself 1 or 2 extra seasons in Villareal to really hone his craft and get comfortable.
Then, the big clubs will come begging for him.
Kola nut lasts long for those that savor it
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vancity eagle
- Eaglet
- Posts: 20126
- Joined: Mon Dec 29, 2003 7:40 pm
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
charlie wrote:Samu is a real Jewel in the making, but the worst thing he can do for his career is to leave Villareal now.
What he needs more than anything else, is 1st team playing time, and there is zero chance on the planet he gets that in Bayern or Athletico Madrid.
I hope he gives himself 1 or 2 extra seasons in Villareal to really hone his craft and get comfortable.
Then, the big clubs will come begging for him.
I agree he should stay at Villareal IF THEY DONT GET RELEGATED.
If they do, he should not go to the top clubs, but a mid table Spanish or German side so he can play often.
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
I agree with this.vancity eagle wrote:charlie wrote:Samu is a real Jewel in the making, but the worst thing he can do for his career is to leave Villareal now.
What he needs more than anything else, is 1st team playing time, and there is zero chance on the planet he gets that in Bayern or Athletico Madrid.
I hope he gives himself 1 or 2 extra seasons in Villareal to really hone his craft and get comfortable.
Then, the big clubs will come begging for him.
I agree he should stay at Villareal IF THEY DONT GET RELEGATED.
If they do, he should not go to the top clubs, but a mid table Spanish or German side so he can play often.
"Ole kuku ni gbogbo wọn "
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
FLYING EAGLE Samuel Chukwueze: Arsenal, Leicester and Atletico Madrid target whose parents used to burn his football boots
Nigerian starlet has been one of Villarreal's shining lights in a dismal season - but could finally move to the Gunners in the summer after a deal fell through over three years ago
By Adam Storer
26th April 2019, 7:00 am
Updated: 26th April 2019, 7:00 am
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE'S footballing career has panned out far from what was expected since the days in his hometown of Ikwuano in Nigeria.
From his parents doing all they can to prevent him from pursuing the sport to being on the verge of joining his international team-mate at Arsenal, the 19-year-old is certainly making the most of his opportunity in Spain.
Chukwueze's performances in the yellow of Villarreal has seen a number of Europe's elite register interest in the youngster
Quickly becoming a fan favourite at Villarreal, the wing sensation was in fine form against Barcelona, scoring one and setting up another in the 4-4 draw - a fixture where the Yellow Submarine had led by two goals up until the 89th minute.
Having only made his first-team debut for the Spanish outfit in September 2018, he has racked up 29 appearances in all competitions with a Europa League title still on offer.
That helped him to claim Nigeria’s Young Player of the Year award, ahead of Everton’s Henry Onyekuru and Wolfsburg forward Victor Osimhen
And his breakout campaign has also earned him plenty of suitors, not least the team that he had all-but signed on the dotted line for in 2015 - Arsenal.
WORLD CUP WINNER
Chukwueze had just won the Under-17 World Cup with Nigeria in Chile, scoring three times on his way to collecting the Bronze Boot for third top scorer.
At the same tournament, other future stars on show included soon-to-be Chelsea star Christian Pulisic, Eder Militao - who will join Real Madrid in the summer - and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Closer to Chukwueze though was Kelechi Nwakali, captain of the young Super Eagles and Golden Ball winner for best player. Arsenal did not take long to snap the skipper up for £2.5million from Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria less than a year after the World Cup triumph.
The Gunners had also hoped to sign Chukwueze from the same youth set-up, with the winger going as far as to confirm their interest.
Chukwueze has quickly integrated into the Villarreal, having only made his senior debut for the club earlier this season EPA
8
Chukwueze has quickly integrated into the Villarreal, having only made his senior debut for the club earlier this season
Chukwueze was expected to join Arsenal at the same time as Kelechi Nwakali, but his former U-17s international captain has struggled at the Gunners GETTY - CONTRIBUTOR
But in an interview with Nigerian news outlet The Cable in 2016, he claimed that the move failed, not because of the transfer fee, but due to contract clauses that Arsenal wanted to insert.
The DFA were unhappy with the North Londoners’ insistence to only hand them a portion of Chukwueze’s sell-on fee once another club had paid at least £20million.
The move fell through, as did interest from Portuguese giants Porto, before the Nigerian ace eventually left for Europe and headed to Villarreal in 2017.
Having already been likened to Bayern Munich and Holland icon Arjen Robben for his direct attacking style, big things were expected.
BURNING HIS BOOTS
But his move to Europe would never have happened if his parents had their way.
From the age of five in the Abia State in southeast Nigeria, Chukwueze’s dream was to become a professional footballer, playing when he could and joined local football teams to train.
Yet, his parents did not share his passion, believing their young son should focus his efforts on his studies and not kicking a ball around.
Upon realising it would be difficult to curb their child’s desire for the game, they stretched to more drastic methods to prevent him playing.
Chukwueze’s mother and father would forbid him to attend training and even burned his football boots.
But the young star, like on many Spanish and European pitches nowadays, could not be stopped and eventually earned their seal of approval in 2013.
Chukwueze was integral to Nigeria Under-17's World Cup glory in 2015, netting three goals on the way to the bronze bootGETTY - CONTRIBUTOR
8
Chukwueze was integral to Nigeria Under-17's World Cup glory in 2015, netting three goals on the way to the bronze boot
Chukwueze has often been compared with Bayern Munich's ex-Chelsea star Arjen Robben due to his direct dribbling and determinationEPA
8
Chukwueze has often been compared with Bayern Munich's ex-Chelsea star Arjen Robben due to his direct dribbling and determination
Chukwueze admitted that his parents had burned his football boots when he was a child so he would focus on his studies and not football
And he is now proving to his parents and the world that he is destined for great things, after earning recognition in his homeland and being named on Uefa’s 50 for the future for 2019.
Also on that list is Arsenal duo Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson, along with England ace Jadon Sancho, Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Junior, Gunners target Nicolo Barella, and Chelsea pair Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
WANTED MAN
Uefa’s summary of Chukwueze even harked back to the star he first idolised, claiming the Nigerian has “Arjen Robben-like tenacity” and is “skilful and aggressive.”
And with Villarreal suffering in La Liga, with relegation still a possibility, it could leave the 19-year-old little option but to move on in the summer.
His performances in the Europa League - where they face local rivals Valencia in the quarter-finals - and recently against Barcelona, leading the fight back at the Estadio de la Cermica, has alerted several elite clubs.
In light of this, the Nigerian’s side has upped his release clause from 40million euros to 63m euros (£34.5m to £54.3m).
Arsenal will have to fork out if they are to finally sign the player they thought they had acquired three years ago, with Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Leicester City also interested.
But the Gunners will feel they should have accepted DFA’s demands for Chukwueze, all the while waiting to see if his compatriot Nwakali still has what it takes to become a senior figure at the club, having only been a bit-part player on loan at Porto’s B team this season.
While Chukwueze's mother did not believe in her son to start with, she and the winger's father gave him their blessing in 2013
8
While Chukwueze's mother did not believe in her son to start with, she and the winger's father gave him their blessing in 2013
Chukwueze's mum met then-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger just a year after the Gunners were supposed to sign her son.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football ... all-boots/
Nigerian starlet has been one of Villarreal's shining lights in a dismal season - but could finally move to the Gunners in the summer after a deal fell through over three years ago
By Adam Storer
26th April 2019, 7:00 am
Updated: 26th April 2019, 7:00 am
SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE'S footballing career has panned out far from what was expected since the days in his hometown of Ikwuano in Nigeria.
From his parents doing all they can to prevent him from pursuing the sport to being on the verge of joining his international team-mate at Arsenal, the 19-year-old is certainly making the most of his opportunity in Spain.
Chukwueze's performances in the yellow of Villarreal has seen a number of Europe's elite register interest in the youngster
Quickly becoming a fan favourite at Villarreal, the wing sensation was in fine form against Barcelona, scoring one and setting up another in the 4-4 draw - a fixture where the Yellow Submarine had led by two goals up until the 89th minute.
Having only made his first-team debut for the Spanish outfit in September 2018, he has racked up 29 appearances in all competitions with a Europa League title still on offer.
That helped him to claim Nigeria’s Young Player of the Year award, ahead of Everton’s Henry Onyekuru and Wolfsburg forward Victor Osimhen
And his breakout campaign has also earned him plenty of suitors, not least the team that he had all-but signed on the dotted line for in 2015 - Arsenal.
WORLD CUP WINNER
Chukwueze had just won the Under-17 World Cup with Nigeria in Chile, scoring three times on his way to collecting the Bronze Boot for third top scorer.
At the same tournament, other future stars on show included soon-to-be Chelsea star Christian Pulisic, Eder Militao - who will join Real Madrid in the summer - and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Closer to Chukwueze though was Kelechi Nwakali, captain of the young Super Eagles and Golden Ball winner for best player. Arsenal did not take long to snap the skipper up for £2.5million from Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria less than a year after the World Cup triumph.
The Gunners had also hoped to sign Chukwueze from the same youth set-up, with the winger going as far as to confirm their interest.
Chukwueze has quickly integrated into the Villarreal, having only made his senior debut for the club earlier this season EPA
8
Chukwueze has quickly integrated into the Villarreal, having only made his senior debut for the club earlier this season
Chukwueze was expected to join Arsenal at the same time as Kelechi Nwakali, but his former U-17s international captain has struggled at the Gunners GETTY - CONTRIBUTOR
But in an interview with Nigerian news outlet The Cable in 2016, he claimed that the move failed, not because of the transfer fee, but due to contract clauses that Arsenal wanted to insert.
The DFA were unhappy with the North Londoners’ insistence to only hand them a portion of Chukwueze’s sell-on fee once another club had paid at least £20million.
The move fell through, as did interest from Portuguese giants Porto, before the Nigerian ace eventually left for Europe and headed to Villarreal in 2017.
Having already been likened to Bayern Munich and Holland icon Arjen Robben for his direct attacking style, big things were expected.
BURNING HIS BOOTS
But his move to Europe would never have happened if his parents had their way.
From the age of five in the Abia State in southeast Nigeria, Chukwueze’s dream was to become a professional footballer, playing when he could and joined local football teams to train.
Yet, his parents did not share his passion, believing their young son should focus his efforts on his studies and not kicking a ball around.
Upon realising it would be difficult to curb their child’s desire for the game, they stretched to more drastic methods to prevent him playing.
Chukwueze’s mother and father would forbid him to attend training and even burned his football boots.
But the young star, like on many Spanish and European pitches nowadays, could not be stopped and eventually earned their seal of approval in 2013.
Chukwueze was integral to Nigeria Under-17's World Cup glory in 2015, netting three goals on the way to the bronze bootGETTY - CONTRIBUTOR
8
Chukwueze was integral to Nigeria Under-17's World Cup glory in 2015, netting three goals on the way to the bronze boot
Chukwueze has often been compared with Bayern Munich's ex-Chelsea star Arjen Robben due to his direct dribbling and determinationEPA
8
Chukwueze has often been compared with Bayern Munich's ex-Chelsea star Arjen Robben due to his direct dribbling and determination
Chukwueze admitted that his parents had burned his football boots when he was a child so he would focus on his studies and not football
And he is now proving to his parents and the world that he is destined for great things, after earning recognition in his homeland and being named on Uefa’s 50 for the future for 2019.
Also on that list is Arsenal duo Emile Smith-Rowe and Reiss Nelson, along with England ace Jadon Sancho, Real Madrid starlet Vinicius Junior, Gunners target Nicolo Barella, and Chelsea pair Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
WANTED MAN
Uefa’s summary of Chukwueze even harked back to the star he first idolised, claiming the Nigerian has “Arjen Robben-like tenacity” and is “skilful and aggressive.”
And with Villarreal suffering in La Liga, with relegation still a possibility, it could leave the 19-year-old little option but to move on in the summer.
His performances in the Europa League - where they face local rivals Valencia in the quarter-finals - and recently against Barcelona, leading the fight back at the Estadio de la Cermica, has alerted several elite clubs.
In light of this, the Nigerian’s side has upped his release clause from 40million euros to 63m euros (£34.5m to £54.3m).
Arsenal will have to fork out if they are to finally sign the player they thought they had acquired three years ago, with Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Leicester City also interested.
But the Gunners will feel they should have accepted DFA’s demands for Chukwueze, all the while waiting to see if his compatriot Nwakali still has what it takes to become a senior figure at the club, having only been a bit-part player on loan at Porto’s B team this season.
While Chukwueze's mother did not believe in her son to start with, she and the winger's father gave him their blessing in 2013
8
While Chukwueze's mother did not believe in her son to start with, she and the winger's father gave him their blessing in 2013
Chukwueze's mum met then-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger just a year after the Gunners were supposed to sign her son.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football ... all-boots/
"Ole kuku ni gbogbo wọn "
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YemiBrazil
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Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
Ole, over to you!
*** Every child is A STAR! ***
Only Mister Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Only-Mister-Johnson-Okey-Chigbo/dp/B09DMW3RM9
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"A revolution in a personal context, is a turn around of a predominant way of thinking or doing things TO BETTER YOURSELF and effectively BETTER YOUR NATION!!!"
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* Progressive Federalism * Personal Revolution * Industrialization *
Only Mister Johnson https://www.amazon.com/Only-Mister-Johnson-Okey-Chigbo/dp/B09DMW3RM9
----------------------------------------------------------------
"A revolution in a personal context, is a turn around of a predominant way of thinking or doing things TO BETTER YOURSELF and effectively BETTER YOUR NATION!!!"
----------------------------------------------------------------
* Progressive Federalism * Personal Revolution * Industrialization *
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
I thought he is already in the SE mix? Why the extra work? Eh, Agents?
The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not be in want.
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
Something about left footed players makes them seem so much more elegant.
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Bigpokey24
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Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
wiseone wrote:Something about left footed players makes them seem so much more elegant.
what about people who write with their left hand?SuperEagles
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© Bigpokey24, most loved on CE
My post are with no warranties and confers zero rights. Get out your feelings
It is not authorized by CyberEagles. You assume all risk for your use.
All rights aren't reserved
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
I guess they are not so elegant, particularly if they are typing!Bigpokey24 wrote:wiseone wrote:Something about left footed players makes them seem so much more elegant.
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maceo4
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Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
His contract with Villareal will be over this summer, his agents are trying to package him to a bigger club...1naija wrote:I thought he is already in the SE mix? Why the extra work? Eh, Agents?
Super Eagus 4 Life!
Made in the image of God that's a selfie!
Made in the image of God that's a selfie!
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metalalloy
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Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
Leicester? Chineke ekwela ihe ojo!
We have been brainwashed by the Premier League that it's the best in the world. Nonsense. It's the best brand
Roy Keane: ITV 02/25/14
He says that we are currently "brainwashed" into believing that the Premier League is the best competition in the world, and that we are now a long way off dominating the Champions League again.
Gary Neville: Mirror: 12/23/14
I think Spain’s by far the best league.
Scholes. UK Guardian 9/6/16
Roy Keane: ITV 02/25/14
He says that we are currently "brainwashed" into believing that the Premier League is the best competition in the world, and that we are now a long way off dominating the Champions League again.
Gary Neville: Mirror: 12/23/14
I think Spain’s by far the best league.
Scholes. UK Guardian 9/6/16
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
I think he should stay at Villareal for another season or two before moving. Athletico would be a good next step. Regular playing time is good for his development. Hope he stays away from Leicester.
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
AMEN.olu wrote:I think he should stay at Villareal for another season or two before moving. Athletico would be a good next step. Regular playing time is good for his development. Hope he stays away from Leicester.
"Nigeria", Africas only true hope of bringing the World cup home to motherland.
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
As long as they don't go down, I'd agree with you.olu wrote:I think he should stay at Villareal for another season or two before moving. Athletico would be a good next step. Regular playing time is good for his development. Hope he stays away from Leicester.
He is on a development curve and God knows, the boy is 'developing' real fast!
"Ole kuku ni gbogbo wọn "
Re: Samuel Chukwueze: Villarreal’s Nigerian diamond
olu wrote:I think he should stay at Villareal for another season or two before moving. Athletico would be a good next step. Regular playing time is good for his development. Hope he stays away from Leicester.
EPL for that matter.