Chuba Akpom is now set to cap a remarkable Championship season with a Golden Boot and the Player of the Season award with the former Arsenal youngster going from strength to strength at Middlesbrough.
Akpom, just last week, admitted that Michael Carrick was the manager he had been dreaming of. A striker who’s career appeared to be drifting towards mediocrity transformed by a Manchester United icon who’s razor-sharp tactics and superb man-management has coaxed the sort of performances few saw coming from the previously maligned Akpom.
Before this season, Akpom had never hit double figures in a league campaign. He could end 2022/23 with 30 to his name. With 28 in the Championship – and 29 in all competitions – Akpom has the Golden Boot all-but wrapped up.
The Arsenal academy graduate is a fitting recipient of the Championship’s Player of the Year award too; fighting off competition from fellow striker Viktor Gyokeres and Burnley’s midfield maestro Josh Brownhill.
Chuba Akpom wins Championship Player of the Year award
“It means a lot to get acknowledged for the work during the season. I’m really grateful for it,” Akpom tells the Gazette Live.
“There are a lot of quality players in this league. So, for me to even be on the shortlist was an amazing accomplishment. To win it is like ‘wow.’ It’s a massive achievement and it’s amazing.”
Akpom’s stunning emergence looks all-the-more impressive when you consider that over 25 per cent of his career goals have come in 2022/23 alone.
The one-time Hull City and Nottingham Forest loanee could still cap off a stunning season by firing Middlesbrough to play-off glory, while becoming only the fourth player since the advent of the Championship – after Glenn Murray, Teemu Pukki and Aleksandr Mitrovic – to record more than 30 goals in a second-tier campaign.
“I always try to tell people it’s not just me,” Akpom adds; once again paying tribute to one of English football’s brightest young coaches.
“I feel like the manager has got the perfect players for the way we want to play. The changing room is amazing, there’s a good relationship s between everyone. I’m grateful to everyone for their support. I wouldn’t be nominated without them.
“The gaffer’s a manager that, when players make mistakes, he encourages you no matter what. It’s good to have that encouragement and backing from the manager.
“I’ve felt a lot of confidence going into games thanks to the manager.”
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