Samuel Chukwueze surprised by his Villarreal progress

Samuel Chukwueze has admitted surprise by his quick progress to the first team of Villarreal.

The youngster joined the Yellow Submarine youth set-up in 2017 and made his debut for Javier Calleja’s senior side on September 20 in a Europa League game against Rangers.

On November 4, he made his first La Liga appearance against Levante and scored his first league goal a week later in a 2-2 stalemate with Rayo Vallecano.

On Saturday, making his third appearance in the Spanish top-flight, the forward notched his second league goal to help Estadio de la Ceramica outfit return to winning ways against Real Betis after a five-game winless run.

 And the Nigeria international who made his debut for the Super Eagles in last week’s friendly game against Uganda has vowed to continue to improve.

“It has been an impressive month for me,” Chukwueze was quoted as saying by Football Espana.

“I did not expect to play so soon with the first team but I do not feel pressure or particularly significance, I am only thinking about working hard and continuing to improve.

“It is important to make sure the coach retains his trust and confidence in me but it is exciting to be playing and doing things that are right.”

Villarreal square up against reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona at Camp Nou on December 2 and the forward, with three goals in his four previous games, is optimistic of a positive result in the encounter.

“Barcelona next week? It is a game that we can win and that is what we are focused on now.”

Villarreal are 16th in the League standings with 14 points from 13 games.