Samuel Chukwueze in race for LaLiga Player of the Month award

Samuel Chukwueze has been nominated for LaLiga Player of the Month for March but will have to battle six other candidates including in-form Barcelona star Raphinha.

The Nigerian forward has either scored or assisted six of Villarreal’s last seven goals in the league, and his recent form has earned him a place among the top performers in the league.

The 23-year-old who is currently in the Super Eagles camp for the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau, will compete for the award with Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas, Barcelona’s Raphinha, Real Sociedad’s David Silva, Atletico Madrid’s Griezmann, Real Betis’ Borga Iglesias, and Getafe’s Enes Unal.

His nomination comes after he scored a stunning volley to open the scoring in Villarreal’s away victory at Osasuna.

He assisted both goals in the victory against Almeria, and although he was kept relatively quiet against Betis, he was back in and among the goals against Osasuna.

His new form has been impactful helping Villarreal achieve an unbeaten run in the three games they played, which has seen them climb to sixth place in the La Liga table and put them back in contention for the top four places.

He now has 11 goals and 11 assists this season, making him one of the most effective attacking players in the league.