Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze has risen to prominence this season, becoming a regular for the relegation-threatened Yellow Submarine, appearing in 19 La Liga matches in his inaugural season for the first team.
Tuesday saw the 19-year old winger add another level to his growing hype, scoring and providing an assist in Villarreal's wild 4-4 draw with Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Chukwueze's performances have not gone unnoticed with a host of European clubs after his signature, despite his minimal experience. Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Leicester City
With Chukwueze's name set to feature regularly in the summer transfer window rumour mill, here's six things to know about the Super Eagles' rising star...
1. He Has Been Called the Reincarnation of Arjen Robben
Despite playing less than 20 matches in Europe,
The comparisons to Robben are completely understandable. The cut/shift to the left and dribbling at speed are both there. Chukwueze still very raw...but what a future he has.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) April 2, 2019
2. Arsene Wenger Nearly Signed Chukwueze for Arsenal
Arsenal
Chukwueze was supposed to come to Arsenal alongside Nwakali after the Under 17 world cup in 2015 Nigeria won but Diamond Academy pulled out of the Deal because Arsenal did not offer enough money.
— Buchi Laba Laba 曆曆曆 (@Buchi_smallzy) April 3, 2019
He signed a 5years deal with Villarreal in 2017.
3. He Is Already an International Star
Tuesday: Named Nigerian Young Player of the Year!
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) April 2, 2019
Wednesday: Scores against Barça! ⚽️
@chukwueze_8 #VillarrealBarça pic.twitter.com/Bbz35jGOm0
4. His Goalscoring Exploits Have Placed Him in Esteemed Company
Chukwueze joined a group of extremely talented youngsters when he became the fourth-youngest goalscorer in La Liga
At 19 years, five months, and 20 days, the only younger La Liga scorers this season are Real Madrid
5. He Is Already a World Cup Winner.....at Youth Level
Chukwueze made his international debut for the senior Nigeria team in 2018 but had already established himself on the world stage after winning the Under-17 World Cup in Chile.
Chukwueze has to be a starter for Nigeria. He has to be at AFCON.
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) April 2, 2019
Nigeria beat Mali 2-0 in the final with Chukwueze starting and playing 80 minutes of the triumphant victory. In addition, the rising star scooped the tournament's Bronze Boot after notching three goals and three assists.
6. Chukwueze's Meteoric Rise Has Proven Wrong a Number of Doubters
Although he has shot to the very top of the football world at the age of 19, Chukwueze's path wasn't always simple with his parents even attempting to hinder his career when he was a young child in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with TheCable
Chukwueze said:
Samuel Chukwueze is an absolute star. The Nigerian teenager has Villarreal back in it against Barca. Can't imagine he'll be at the yellow submarines next season. Top class. #LaLiga
— Kevin Egan (@kev_egan) April 2, 2019
“They realised that I love playing football and that I will prefer it to something else. So, they gave their blessings and I became more focused on my football career.”
Source : 90min