Akpom had a slow start to the season, but he has picked up, and he is in the form of his life
Manchester United Legend and Middlesbrough coach Michael Carrick has praised Nigeria-eligible striker Chuba Akpom for his brilliance in his side’s 4-1 victory over Wigan.
Middlesbrough were poor at the start of the season, but since Carrick arrived at Middlebrough, the team has turned a new leaf.
They have lost just two of their last nine fixtures in the English Championship. A crucial part of their recent form has been 27-year-old Nigeria-eligible striker Chuba Akpom.
Akpom has scored eight goals in his last eight games for Middlesbrough. The former Arsenal man was also unsung for the Boro when they took on wigan on Boxing Day.
Akpom netted a second-half hattrick to help Middlesbrough to a 4-1 win over Wigan.
The win was Middlesbrough’s sixth since Carrick took over, and the former Manchester United man was excited about the result. He praised Akpom’s dexterity and wishes that the London-born star continues with his great form.
“I’m delighted for him. He’s on a right purple patch at the minute and long may it continue,” Carrick said as per The Northern Echo
“We spoke at half-time about the key positions in the game and trying to work more space, especially Duncan and Chuba. We felt we could cause them more problems than we did in the first half, and the boys did well, especially in possession.
“The lads played some terrific football and Chuba got on the end of it. He’ll get the headlines and praise for the goals but it was more the link-up play and the problems he caused them.”
Akpom is the joint-highest scorer in the league alongside Viktor Gyokeres. With his latest form, he could give his Swedish competition a good run for his money.
Nonetheless, he would cherish promotion to the Premier League more at the end of the season.
Akpom played for England at youth level but he is still eligible to play for Nigeria because he has Nigerian parents and he has not played for England’s senior team.