AC Milan shockingly urged to give Samuel Chukwueze permanent starting spot ahead of Christian Pulisic despite USMNT star posting career-best numbers in debut season at San Siro

Pulisic has been on fire for Milan since joining from Chelsea in the summer, finding a level of form he never reached throughout his four years at Stamford Bridge. But despite the United States forward's impressive exploits, there are some in Italy who still have their doubts. Pundit Sandro Sabatini has sensationally claimed that Nigerian winger Chukwueze should be starting ahead of the American next season, as he is a "technical player" boasting so much "quality".

Speaking to Radiorossonera, the Italian pundit said: "For me Chukwueze has quality, he is a technical player who I like a lot. For next season I would prefer him to Pulisic as a prospect, in my opinion he is a guy who has some numbers. I know I'm saying something unpopular and I don't argue about the €28 million [£24m/$30m paid for Chukwueze to Villarreal last summer] because then you have to make comparisons."

Sabatini's comments come after Chukwueze put in two impressive performances against Hellas Verona and Fiorentina in Milan's last two league outings. However, that goal against Verona remains his only effort in the league all campaign and one of four goal contributions all competitions (3G, 1A) in his debut season. Pulisic's start to life in Italy has, by comparison, gone far better, as he has racked up a career best 20 goal contributions (12G, 8A). The American's father recently put his success down to the "trust" of his team-mates and head coach Stefano Pioli, following four forgettable seasons at Chelsea.

Despite his own individual efforts, the Hershey-born forward has been helpless to improve Milan's league standing. They remain second behind rivals Inter, who have the Serie A title all-but wrapped up thanks to their 14-point advantage with eight games left. Piolo's side do have Europa League glory to play for, though, with their quarter-final first leg against Italian rivals Roma taking place next Thursday.