Samuel Chukwueze at 24: In the beginning, career stats and projections
Nigeria and Villareal winger Samuel Chukwueze turned 24 on Monday May 22, 2023. SPORTSRATION in tribute reviews his career stats to date.
IN THE BEGINNING
Born on 22nd May 1999 in Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku community in Abia State, Nigeria, Samuel Chukwueze started playing football aged 8.
His educational history show Samu’ acquired secondary school education at Government College Umuahia and Evangel Secondary School.
Samuel Chukwueze`s discovery and basic football development is trademarked with Diamond Football Academy, Umuahia.
At Diamond Football Academy, the Apugo`s ( Martin Ikechukwu and Prince Victor now of Superstar Academy ) guided and sponsored Chukwueze until he made the Nigeria U-17 team in 2015.
Alongside Napoli hit-man Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali, Chukwueze excelled as the Emmanuel Amuneke tutored Golden Eaglets conquered the World at the U-17 tournament in Chile.
EXPORTED LIKE DIAMOND TO VILLAREAL
Villareal came calling for the winger following his World Cup heroics, In 2017, and so the youngster was exported like Diamond to Villareal FC.
There he has risen from the Youth setup to the B team and now one of the most influential members of Qique Setien`s team at the time of his 24th birthday.
CHUKWUEZE AT VILLAREAL: STATS
Few weeks before his 24th birthday, Samu was celebrated at Villareal after hitting 200 appearances for the Spanish La Liga club. the youngest in the clubs history to reach the milestone.
That number at his 24th birthday stands at 204 and has produced 37 goals and 31 assists in all competitions.
His most recent appearance was on May 20 in a 1-2 away win for Villareal vs Girona. The Nigerian lasted for 62 minutes in his 34th La Liga appearance of the 2022/2023 season.
In terms of trophies, the 24-year old has won the 2020/2021 UEFA Europa League title and UEFA Super Cup title for the 2021/2022 season.
A SUPER EAGLE
Samuel Chukwueze is a 27-cap Super Eagle.
The winger made his Nigeria National team debut in 2018 against Uganda in a friendly match.
He has scored 4-goals and is yet to add to his only international triumph – the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup title. His closest opportunity of silverware with the Super Eagles was a bronze medal from the 2019 AFCON.
CHUKUWEZE AT 24: PROJECTIONS
Chukwueze at 24 is expected to have gathered enough experience to set sail for consistent performances worthy of his innate talent.
As proven by his performances this season, not only does he bring the ball forward and break lines, Chukwueze has proven to be decisive in the final third too.
He is enjoying his best ever season for direct goal contributions since turning pro in 2018.
This summer, the winger will court interest from English Premier League clubs like Aston Villa, whose manager Unai Emery worked with the 24-year old at Villareal.
There are projections a move to the Premier League could set him up for bigger responsibility unlike Villareal where he is relaxed in a comfort zone.
Here is cheers to many more fruitful years for Samuel Chukwueze.
