GdS: Chukwueze is a ‘new purchase’ for Fonseca after Sassuolo showing

Samuel Chukwueze, similarly to last summer, had a good pre-season before trailing off in Serie A. However, he has been offered a restart with a great performance in midweek. 

Throughout pre-season, Chukwueze was used by Paulo Fonseca regularly, and even in training photos, we often saw the Portuguese head coach look to the winger to show the squad how to complete drills.

Since the start of the new season though, the Nigerian has faded. Christian Pulisic has been superb, which is a huge factor in this, of course, but we also must consider the fact that his own performances have also lacked.

Contributions have been infrequent, which is why the game against Sassuolo is such a standout performance. The winger was untouchable and the stats showed this, he was direct and dynamic whilst also aiding defensively, which is only a positive.

For this reason, Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that he can be a ‘new purchase’ for Fonseca.

Throughout the Leao debacle, the biggest issue was seemingly the effort levels shown by Leao – which is not aimed to be a dig here at the winger, but rather a compliment towards Chukwueze – so the overall performance by the winger will greatly impress the head coach.

Now, as Gazzetta states, he must find continuity, and keep up the pace, performing to similar levels on the regular, rather than the occasional.

It is also important to remember that reports suggested the Nigerian’s position would be evaluated in January, and with the mercato approaching, his time to contribute performances is running out. Therefore, his performances must now, within reason, match the one against the Neroverdi.