Five observations from Chukwueze’s terrific display against Real Madrid :: All Nigeria Soccer
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was in spectacular form on Saturday night as Villarreal further compounded Real Madrid’s La Liga title hopes as they defeated Los Blancos 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The win means Madrid are now 12 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.
All Nigeria Soccer here presents the takeaways from his game.
1. Deserved MVP
The Nigerian scored two brilliant goals in the 39th and 80th minutes. The first was a thing of beauty as he received the ball at the edge of the box and dummied a shot which took out Madrid’s left back on the night, Nacho.
The ‘African Arjen Robben’ then found his spot to plant the plant beyond goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois.
The second goal was even better with 10 minutes left on the clock as he bent the ball to the top left corner.
He was awarded the Man of the Match and it was well deserved.
2. Shots off target
Despite his goal scoring form and fine assist on Saturday, the nimble-footed winger scoffed a lot of chances as his shots earlier in the game went wide.
As the match wore, his precision improved.
3. Middle job
Chukwueze was noticeably seen drifting infield to pick up the ball and run at the Madrid central defenders.
He did not get the ball often early on but began to be a threat when he came infield where he gave Nacho and to some extent, Antonio Rudiger nightmares.
4. Defending downside
For all his attacking impetus and threat, he was not able to support Juan Foyth.
The battle between Foyth and Vinicius Junior was one of the key points of the game and Vini was until the Chukwueze magic considered the leading contender for the MVP of the match.
Vinicius Junior gave Foyth all sorts of troubles albeit the onetime Man City target won two of his tackles early in the game.
Chukwueze was also not able to stop Vinicius when he scored Madrid’s second goal as the Nigerian tracked back to assist in stopping the Brazilian.
5. Red card for Aurelien Tchouameni on foul on Chukwueze?
Villarreal manager Quique Setién was seemingly not happy with some of the fouls on Chukwueze in the game.
“He has improved a lot. He passes well and is a threat,” Setien said of the Nigerian who had seven successful dribbles and five shots in 89 minutes of action.
Setien whilst watching the playback on the tv monitor of a foul on his player by Real Madrid midfielder, Tchouameni seemingly believed that the France international ought to be booked.
Izuchukwu Michael
Photo Credit : laliga.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
