Samuel Chukwueze has been given a fresh tactical assignment by new AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim, who deployed the Nigeria international as a wing-back during the club's first pre-season training session at Milanello on Monday.

The session was open to supporters, who got their initial look at the shape Amorim plans to build his side around this season. While the Portuguese coach was expected to lean on his familiar 3-4-2-1 system, one of the standout moments from the session was how Chukwueze was positioned within it.

A role borrowed from Manchester United

Rather than lining up as one of the two attacking midfielders operating behind the striker — a position more suited to his natural game — Chukwueze was stationed on the right side of a four-man midfield unit in a wing-back capacity.

The move mirrors how Amorim used Amad Diallo during his time at Manchester United, with Diallo thriving in that advanced, wide midfield role. Amorim appears ready to replicate that blueprint at AC Milan, this time with Chukwueze as the engine on the right flank.

Demanding transition for the Nigerian winger

Traditionally a right winger who operates high up the pitch, Chukwueze must now adapt to a role that demands greater defensive responsibility alongside his attacking output. The wing-back position requires tracking back, covering ground, and contributing defensively — a significant step up from the freelancing nature of a pure wide forward.

The 27-year-old spent the 2024–25 campaign on loan at Premier League side Fulham, where he registered three goals and four assists in 25 appearances. Whether that form is enough to earn him a starting berth in Amorim's new-look AC Milan remains to be seen as pre-season progresses.