AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has explained his decision to deploy Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze in a new wing back role, insisting that the Super Eagles star possesses the mentality and character required to succeed despite having limited experience as a defender.
Chukwueze has traditionally operated as an attacking winger throughout his professional career, using his pace, dribbling ability and creativity to trouble opposing defenders. However, Amorim has introduced a significant tactical change since taking charge of Milan, placing the Nigerian on the right side of a 3 4 2 1 system.
The decision initially raised questions among Milan supporters, particularly because Chukwueze is known primarily for his attacking qualities rather than his defensive discipline. Amorim, however, believes the Nigerian’s attitude and willingness to work can compensate for his lack of experience in the position.
Speaking at his press conference ahead of Milan’s Serie A opener, Amorim explained that defensive ability is not determined solely by a player’s traditional position.
“It depends on the mentality of the player. Sometimes people just look at one player because he’s really good offensively and they think he cannot defend,” Amorim said.
The Portuguese coach went further by praising Chukwueze’s character, saying the Nigerian has the spirit required to improve defensively.
“Defending is about spirit and character, which Chukwueze has,” Amorim explained. He acknowledged that the 27 year old is not a conventional defender but believes his qualities can make him useful in Milan’s system.
Chukwueze has already provided evidence that he can make the tactical adjustment. During Milan’s pre season meeting with Manchester United in Poland, the Nigerian started as a wing back and produced an outstanding attacking performance as Amorim’s side secured a 4 2 victory.
The former Villarreal star scored Milan’s first goal to level the game before setting up two more goals. His performance demonstrated why Amorim is attracted to the idea of giving him greater responsibility on the flank.
The role demands considerably more from Chukwueze than simply attacking. As a wing back, he must cover significant areas of the pitch, track opposition runners, contribute defensively and still maintain his attacking threat when Milan regain possession.
Amorim believes this combination could actually make Chukwueze particularly valuable because Milan want to control matches through possession rather than simply defending deep.
“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,” the coach said. He added that Milan’s defensive approach is also connected to their ability to keep possession.
This philosophy could suit Chukwueze because his biggest strengths remain useful even when he starts from a deeper position. His speed allows him to recover quickly, while his dribbling can help Milan escape pressure and progress the ball into dangerous areas.
The Nigerian also returned to Milan after spending the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Fulham in the Premier League. His spell in England gave him valuable experience in a physically demanding competition, where he made more than 20 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists according to reports.
That experience appears to have strengthened Amorim’s belief that Chukwueze can handle the demands of his new system.
There is also a strong personal incentive for Chukwueze to embrace the tactical change. His future at Milan appeared uncertain before Amorim arrived, but the new manager has made it clear that he sees the Nigerian as part of his plans for the new season.
Rather than treating the positional change as a punishment or limitation, Chukwueze has embraced the opportunity. He previously described the chance to work under Amorim as an opportunity he must seize after returning from his loan spell.
His impressive display against Manchester United has strengthened the case for continuing the experiment, although the real test will come when competitive Serie A football begins.
Milan are preparing to open their 2026/27 Serie A campaign against Torino, giving Chukwueze another opportunity to demonstrate whether he can translate his promising pre season performances into competitive matches.
For Nigerian football fans, the development could prove significant. If Chukwueze successfully adapts to Amorim’s system, he could become a more complete player while earning a more important role at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Amorim is clearly not asking Chukwueze to abandon the attacking qualities that made him successful. Instead, he wants the Nigerian to combine those qualities with greater defensive responsibility, work rate and tactical discipline.
The experiment is still in its early stages, but Chukwueze’s performance against Manchester United has given Amorim plenty of reason to remain optimistic. If the Nigerian can maintain that level while improving his defensive awareness, his unfamiliar wing back position could become an important part of Milan’s plans this season.
