'He didn't give me space' - Chukwueze names Arsenal star as toughest player he faced in UEL
Published: May 25, 2021
Contrary to popular belief, Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze has admitted that Arsenal left-back Granit Xhaka did a good job to neutralise him when both teams faced off in the first leg of the Europa League semifinal at the La Cerámica on April 29.
With first choice left-back Kieran Tierney failing a fitness test ahead of the clash, the Switzerland star, who was asked to play out of position as a makeshift fullback, had an intriguing battle with Chukwueze.
The Villarreal number 11 acknowledged that Xhaka kept tight to him and he didn't have the freedom to operate from the right hand side.
Chukwueze fielded questions from UEFA's official website ahead of tomorrow's Europa League showpiece against Manchester United.
When asked to name the toughest player he faced in this season's Europa League, the Nigeria international replied : "It was (Granit) Xhaka. He was man-to-man marking me. He didn't give me space.
"He was just very close to me and I couldn't move an inch".
"He was just very close to me and I couldn't move an inch".
Chukwueze picked 18-year-old Villarreal winger Yeremi Pino as the best young player in this season's Europa League, ahead of the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
"I think it's Yeremi Pino, I think he's a very fantastic player. He has done so well in the Europa League."
On the most dramatic moment in this season's Europa League, Chukwueze said : "It was dramatic against Arsenal. This is my first time reaching the Europa League final. I used to watch them on TV. I can't wait to be there".
Chukwueze has traveled with the Villarreal squad to Gdańsk in Poland despite concerns about his fitness ahead of the showpiece.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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
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
Latest News
- Blue Ocean FC's Eiber Cup run: 10-man start, 8-1 win and ex-Nigeria U17 coach Haruna reflection
- Confirmed: Brother of Manchester United striker Obi signs new deal with West Ham
- Arsenal not prepared to sell Super Eagles-eligible forward amid Chelsea links
- 'Atletico Madrid are very interested' – Transfer expert reveals Lookman not keen on PL return
- 'It's time to move on' – Brighton's summer signing Nnadozie reflects on Paris FC exit
- 'They have plans to sell me for N179b' – Osimhen urges Galatasaray to act fast amid Al-Hilal interest
- 'He's helped me tremendously' – Igoh Ogbu credits Slavia coach for Super Eagles call-up
- Full list of 21 players in camp as Super Eagles begin CHAN preparations in Ikenne
- Confirmed: Eze signs new deal with Blackburn as another Nigerian defender joins from Wolves
- Done deal: Motherwell loan in Celtic youth product Sule from West Brom


News Categories
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- VT88
- VT88
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88