Lille striker Jonathan David has stated that Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom played an important role for the team in their 3-1 win at Auxerre in Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Akpom started his fourth game for Lille when they played Auxerre at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Coach Bruno Genesio usually play with one striker, but he opted to use two this time with Akpom and David. By halftime, Lille had already done the job, with David nicking a goal and an assist to make it 2-0.
Then, in the second half, David added one more to make sure that Auxerre’s stoppage-time goal was a mere consolation.
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Akpom got 80 minutes of action and registered two shots on goal, 18 touches, two tackles, and won three fouls.
Following the game, David revealed that he enjoyed playing with Akpom, as it helped him. He stated that the Nigerian’s ability to draw defenders to himself allowed him to operate.
“The presence of Chuba (Akpom) helped me, especially against a five-man defence. In a duo, we are two number 9s who can score, make runs in depth, weigh in the box,” David said.
“He is one more player on whom they must be attentive, watch at all times. This leaves more space for him as for me.”
Chuba Akpom will look to end the season on a high with Lille
Since coach Genesio’s decision to play Chuba Akpom and Jonathan David worked out against Auxerre, he would be motivated to use it a bit more against smaller oppositions. This means that Akpom could see more game time in the coming weeks.
The Nigerian striker will look to prove himself to Genesio as Lille push for Champions League football. They currently sit 4th in Ligue 1 with 53 points from 30 games, and they have games against Angers, Marseille, Brest, and Reims. The Nigerian striker will have to be at his best to make a big impression on coach Genesio.
