Samuel Chukwueze, a winger for Villarreal, has been selected the best African player in the 2022–2023 La Liga Spanish season.
The Nigerian had an outstanding season with the Yellow Submarine, finishing with 13 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.
Since moving to the Estadio de la Ceramica, the 24-year-old's most productive season was during that time.
Inaki Williams of Ghana, who scored 10 goals in 36 LaLiga games for Athletic Club and earned the LaLiga Santander Mid-Season African MVP Award, and Yassine Bounou of Morocco, who assisted Sevilla FC in winning the UEFA Europa League, were Chukwueze's main rivals.
Chukwueze's outstanding performance has led to links with several European clubs, notably Real Madrid, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United.
“Samu is now enjoying his well-deserved award, after being voted by more than 30,000 fans and 26 journalists from the continent, ahead of other top African players such as Yassine Bono, Iñaki Williams, and Youssef En-Nesyri, among others,” Villarreal wrote about the Nigerian.
Chukwueze responded to receiving the honor by highlighting how Coach Quique Sentien's confidence in him encouraged him to perform at his best throughout the season.
The 24-year-old, though, indicated a desire for additional accolades, particularly given his prime.
“I feel so happy to win this award,” he told La Liga’s website. “I’ve worked very hard this season, but I want to thank my teammates for making it possible. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible for me… and the coach [Quique Setién] too. When the coach believes in you, and gives you the confidence to play and enjoy yourself, it really motivates you.
“But I think I can still do more,” he noted. “I want to continue working hard. I’m still young, so I’m still learning. This is just the beginning.”
