“Has a different profile” – Lille goalkeeper reveals what makes Chuba Akpom different from Jonathan David

Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier has praised Chuba Akpom’s integration into the squad following his January transfer his move away from Ajax FC, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Super Eagles-eligible player joined the French Ligue 1 on a season-ending loan move from Amsterdam with an option to buy.

READ MORE: “Boosts confidence” – Everything LOSC Lille boss said after Chuba Akpom scored on his debut

Meanwhile, for the former Middlesbrough player, adjusting to life quickly in the French league has been easy, scoring two goals in his last two Ligue 1 appearances for the club with both coming from Le Havre AC and Stade Rennais.

Compared to his hot-chased teammate, Jonathan David, the Frenchman reveals that the former Arsenal forward brings a different playing style.

“I’m happy for him [Chuba Akpom]. He plays in the same position as Jonathan, but he has a different profile,” Chevalier said. “He can even play on the wing. He’s faster, more into dribbling, into percussion, whereas Jonas [David] is more someone who will put away, position himself well.”

The French shot-stopper further explained that Akpom’s presence adds to an alternative attacking dimension that Lille previously lacked.

“He will have a bit of this off-center role. He has a certain power. He’s an alternative on long balls, something we didn’t have in our squad. We really feel an added value,” Chevalier added.

With both Akpom and David available, Lille now have more attacking options as they push for success. They sit 5th in the domestic league, with eight points behind Olympique Marseille, who are in second place in the standings.