'Was a constant threat' - Ex-Chelsea star lauds Chukwueze after MOTM display v Real Madrid 

Former Chelsea star Craig Burley has hailed Samuel Chukwueze for his outstanding performance in his latest match for Villarreal.  

Against the odds, Villarreal were 3-2 winners over Real Madrid in a La Liga game at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday with Chukwueze the standout performer for the visitors.

The defending champions missed the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Barcelona who have a game in hand. 

After Villarreal conceded an own goal in the 16th minute, the Nigeria national teamer, who was officially named King of the Match by La Liga, restored parity for the Yellow Submarine five minutes before halftime when he beat Nacho and slotted past Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

With ten minutes to go, the Nigeria international scored the goal of the night for Villarreal's third with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, leaving Courtois with no chance to save it.

Statistically, Chukwueze caused the Real Madrid defence all sorts of problems, registering a game-high five shots and completed the most take-ons with seven while winning a team-high two fouls. 

Speaking on ESPN, Burley said : "First goal was great balance and poise, but the second goal bearing in mind Thibaut Courtois is probably the in-form goalkeeper in the world at the moment. And his size, his reach and stretch, to find that far corner was amazing.

"Two goals for Chukwueze, one assist, he was a constant threat. Villarreal came to play and Real Madrid with the changes were slightly vulnerable and that showed."

Given the form of Chukwueze this season, Villarreal have a fight on their hands to keep hold of the 23-year-old when the transfer window opens with clubs in the Premier League keeping tabs on him. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : laliga.com
 

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