Samuel Chukwueze, the Nigerian player representing Villarreal, has been named the Best African Player in La Liga for the 2022/2023 season.
Chukwueze earned this recognition through his outstanding performances throughout the season. He appeared in 37 matches, starting in 27 of them for Villarreal.
Villareal wrote, “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.”
In claiming this award, Chukwueze surpassed Iñaki Williams, the talented forward from Athletic Club, who was named the LaLiga Santander Mid-Season African MVP. Williams scored 10 goals in 36 LaLiga Santander matches and achieved a remarkable feat by making 251 consecutive LaLiga appearances for Athletic Club over seven seasons.
“Also in contention was last season’s inaugural LaLiga Santander African MVP Award Winner, Bounou, whose penalty shootout heroics against AS Roma led Sevilla FC to yet another UEFA Europa League title, their seventh and the Moroccan keeper’s second with the club.
“But it was Chukwueze who has emerged as this season’s LaLiga Santander African MVP Award winner. The Nigerian international was a constant attacking threat for Villarreal CF and was back to his brilliant best after a frustrating injury layoff, his 155 dribbles in the top three in LaLiga Santander this season as he became one of the most exciting players to watch in the league,” the club added.