Ruben Amorim’s early work at Milan has included a clear decision on Samuel Chukwueze: the winger was not to be moved on again after his Fulham loan, but reshaped into a useful part of the Rossoneri season.
The decision
At his presentation, Amorim largely avoided discussing individuals. He addressed Rafael Leao when required, named Christian Pulisic among the decisive players in the squad, and made one firm point on Chukwueze. The Nigeria international would remain at Milan, despite returning from Fulham without a permanent transfer being triggered.
The coach wanted to work with the 21-year-old rather than send him out on another loan or sell him. That intention has been borne out through pre-season and the opening official fixtures, with Chukwueze used on the right of a four-man midfield.
It is a role he had not previously occupied in his career. An attack-minded player has been asked to take on a broader responsibility, and his willingness has not been in question. His defensive work, however, has been less consistent, particularly when Milan have faced stronger opposition.
Chukwueze has started every match apart from the game away to Juventus in Turin. On that occasion, he entered during the final half-hour and supplied the key assist for Cisse’s goal.
Against Lecce, Amorim adjusted the arrangement to give his winger greater freedom. With Milan in possession, Gila moved across into a right-back position, offering more protection on that flank and allowing Chukwueze to concentrate more fully on his attacking qualities.
Centre-back De Winter explained the idea after the match: “We began with a back four to make Chukwueze more attacking. It worked well, we controlled the game and won.”
The experiment was prepared rather than improvised, and the result encouraged Milan. It is likely to return, although its use will depend on the opponent and the demands of each match. Amorim’s selections also suggest that a four-man defensive line had been part of his planning from the beginning of the summer.
Chukwueze is currently away with Nigeria. African Cup of Nations qualifying stopped after its first two rounds, and he made one appearance without scoring or assisting. Even so, he recorded more chances created and successful dribbles than any other player in his side.
Nigeria still have a friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on 6 October before Chukwueze returns to Milanello. Amorim expects him to share the right-sided role with Diego Moreira, while Pervis Estupinan or Davide Bartesaghi can provide a more natural full-back option on the left.
For Milan, it is not simply a matter of finding minutes for a player who might have left. The club and coach are attempting to make Chukwueze’s place in the squad more coherent, balancing his attacking instinct with a structure capable of carrying it through the longer rhythm of the championship.
