AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has explained why Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze isnât preferred to Christian Pulisic in the starting lineup for most of the season, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to Pioli, Pulisic has become impossible to drop despite the calls for more game time for Chukwueze at the Americansâs expense.
Over the weekend, Pulisic was included from the off once again in a meeting with Juventus and was only replaced by Chukwueze with seven minutes left on the clock, with either player not able to make a telling contribution in a 0-0 draw.
Pioli has explained why he will not be changing his plans, telling DAZN that he will keep faith in his current system.
âI liked Pulisic instead. Chukwueze is also fine, but at the moment I wonât give up an extra midfielder to play with four attacking players, and therefore Chukwuze is the one sacrificed the most at the moment.â
Pulisic has posted personal-best figures during his debut campaign at San Siro, with 13 goals recorded across all competitions.
The America international has started 40 of the 46 games that he has appeared in this season, earning plenty of plaudits along the way.
Meanwhile, Chukwueze has been included from the off in just 13 of his 48 outings, with both men having moved to Milan in the summer of 2023.
In terms of goals, Chukwueze has one goal and two assists in 22 appearances in Serie A, while he also scored twice in four UEFA Champions League games before they were eliminated in the group stages.
The Nigerian endured a tough time at the club after returning 2023 Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria, but once he got the chance, he began to impress and eased the pressure with his first Serie A goal in their 3-1 win over Hellas Verona in March.
The former Villarreal star scored with a superb volley five minutes after coming on for Noah Okafor in the 75th minute of the game.
Reacting to his first Serie A goal, Chukwueze told DAZN, âIâm really happy. Iâve been waiting for this moment for a long time. These first few months were not easy, but Iâve continued to work hard.
âIt was important to win, and I want to keep scoring to help the team. I must continue working hard because they signed me to score goals. I trust the coach and his plans for me. I just need to remain focused and continue working hard.â
With four games to go in the current season, the 24-year-old will hope to keep up his hard work in the summer and prepare for his second season with the Italian giants.
Chukwueze joined Milan during the 2023 summer transfer window for a deal worth âŹ20 million plus some substantial bonuses, which made him the most expensive signing of a window that saw 10 players join the San Siro outfit.
