On The Spot with Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze continues to cause opposition full-backs all sorts of problems in LaLiga Santander — and he will be desperate to make a mark against Barcelona on Sunday.
The Nigerian, 21, scored twice In Villarreal's recent 5-1 dismantling of Levante and looks back to his best after a brief spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.
LaLiga ambassador Chukwueze, speaking at an event for LiveScore, revealed all in a Q&A about playing under Unai Emery, adapting his game in Spain and his hopes for the rest of the campaign.
Has your game changed in any way now you haveve had three seasons in LaLiga and played in the Europa League?
I think it has changed so much, coming from Nigeria to come and play in Europe at Villarreal. Before I saw football as entitlement just to play how I want, attack, dribble, to entertain the fans.
Now I think I understand what it means to be tactically disciplined, knowing when to attack, when to defend. I think my overall understanding of the game has changed a huge amount.
Tell us a bit about your head coach Unai Emery and his management style. Do you enjoy playing under him?
I enjoy playing under Emery. He’s amazing and so tactical in everything he does. He can push you to the limit but he is a fantastic coach.
He has an amazing football brain. He has amazed me how I have seen him change things from game to game.
Sometimes when I watch him from the bench, I have looked at him and noticed changes he makes which work for him that are great to see. He is so good at his job and is a fantastic coach.
Who is most talented player you have played with during your time at Villarreal?
It has to be Santi Cazorla. He is a fantastic player who can play so well with both feet. He is special and very, very talented.
Which teams have surprised you with their performances in LaLiga this season?
I would say Cadiz and Atletico Madrid are two teams I have been surprised by this year.
Cadiz in particular — they have some really good players. They won at the Alfredo Di Stefano against Real Madrid and they also won against Barcelona, two teams that it is great to win against.
I think they are actually very good both tactically and also how they play.
If you could name one young player in LaLiga to watch for the future, who would it be and why?
There are so many good players in LaLiga. You have Bryan Gil [on loan at Eibar from Sevilla], Ansu Fati [at Barcelona] and Yeremi Pino here at Villarreal.
For me, I would choose Yeremi — he’s a fantastic player. He’s a young lad, he has the speed and the talent, and importantly he is working very hard.
Who has been your standout performer in LaLiga this season? Who has impressed you the most?
For me I am going to say my team-mate Gerard Moreno, he has been amazing since LaLiga restarted. He has scored so many goals and always plays very well.
You have previously spoken about your admiration for Lionel Messi and how you didn’t sleep after 4-4 draw with Barca in 2019, when he scored one and made one late on. Will you sleep better after Sunday's game and what is the secret to stopping him?
On Sunday I think I am going to sleep very well! For me, if we play our game, I will get a good night’s sleep. But anything can happen, this is football.
We’re going to try our best to win. That is the most important thing, just to win. This will help us maintain our position in LaLiga. I am confident I will sleep well this Sunday!
If you could create an ideal footballer from current or former players, who would you pick bits from?
I’m going to choose Zinedine Zidane for the football brain, Cristiano Ronaldo for the strength and Messi for the feet.
It’s your birthday next month. If we could grant you any wish, what would it be?
I’d like you to tell me that I am going to win the Europa League, just tell me that! I want to win the Europa League, thanks!
