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Ruben Amorim has challenged Samuel Chukwueze to embrace the defensive demands of his system as the Nigerian winger prepares for AC Milan’s competitive opener against Torino.
Chukwueze has been used in a different role during pre-season, with Amorim deploying the Super Eagles attacker as a wide player with greater defensive responsibilities.
The experiment has produced encouraging results, particularly in Milan’s 4-2 victory over Manchester United, when Chukwueze scored and provided two assists.
Amorim wants more from Chukwueze
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Serie A clash, Amorim explained that Chukwueze’s ability to contribute defensively will depend more on his mentality than his natural attacking qualities.
“It depends on the mentality of the player,” Amorim said. “Sometimes people look at one player because he’s really good offensively and think he can’t defend.”
The Portuguese coach believes the 27-year-old possesses the character required to handle the additional responsibility.
“Defending is about spirit and character too, and I think he has the character to do that,” he added.
Chukwueze adapting to new demands
Amorim acknowledged that playing as a wide player in Italy often involves greater defensive work, but he does not want Chukwueze to become a conventional defender.
“I realise here a winger is more of a full-back in Italy, but we want to play more with the ball than without the ball,” he said.
The former Manchester United boss instead wants Milan to use possession as part of their defensive strategy.
“We want to defend really well, but I believe we defend well with the ball,” Amorim explained. “If we don’t have the ball, it doesn’t matter if we have 10 defenders, we’re going to have problems.”
Chukwueze’s improved performances have strengthened his prospects of playing an important role under Amorim after returning from his loan spell at Fulham.
His performance against United was particularly significant as Milan prepare for their first competitive match under the Portuguese coach.