The head coach of Italian Serie A side AC Milan Stefano Pioli has explained why American winger Christian Pulisic is ahead of Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Chukwueze was the club record signing during the summer transfer window joining the club from Villarreal in a deal in excess of €20m after a season where he scored 13 goals and assisted 11.
However he hasn’t matched that form at his new base leading to him getting benched for Pulisic, who according to Pioli has similar characteristics with Chukwueze but gives more to the team. He presently has eight goals and seven assists unlike Chukwueze who has two goal and one assist this season.
During his pre-Atalanta press conference, Pioli was asked about what Chukwueze needs to do in order to compete with the American. The manager’s response was clear and perhaps even a bit harsh, sending a clear message to the Nigerian.
“They have the same characteristics. Pulisic scores goals, assists and works. Chukwueze must score goals, assists and work,” Pioli stated.