Chuba Akpom’s departure from Arsenal has raised eyebrows, especially after his remarkable performance in his recent game, scoring four goals in just 51 minutes. Arsenal’s scouting director expressed surprise at letting go of the red-hot £15 million striker, emphasizing the need for young players to feel valued and appreciated.
Recalling Akpom’s journey, he faced challenges breaking into Arsenal’s first team, making only four Premier League appearances and undergoing several loans that didn’t quite align with his potential. Despite initially being considered one of the most promising talents in Arsenal’s academy, Akpom found himself in situations where he may not have felt fully supported.
Akpom’s former coach, Blake, drew parallels between Akpom’s style of play and Dutch football icons Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert. He highlighted Akpom’s strength and technical abilities, noting his proficiency with his back to the goal and effectiveness when coming from a deeper position. This comparison, along with Akpom’s success in a flexible role under Michael Carrick at Middlesbrough, paints a picture of a player who has matured and evolved his game.
The mention of a roving, almost ‘number ten’ role at Middlesbrough suggests that Akpom found his stride and creative space under Carrick’s guidance. His impressive tally of 28 goals in 40 games and winning the Championship’s Golden Boot in the 2022/23 season solidify the notion that Akpom has tapped into the potential that once marked him as a standout prospect in Arsenal’s youth setup.
Despite this success, the lingering question remains about why Akpom left Arsenal at an early stage in his career. Blake expresses surprise, believing Arsenal was the right club for him. The importance of a young player feeling appreciated and having trusted individuals around him is highlighted as a crucial factor in a player’s development.
The ‘supersub’ label, often challenging to shake off, seems to be a thing of the past for Akpom. His recent goal-scoring spree, including four goals in 51 Eredivisie minutes, positions him as a formidable attacking force. With speculation about a potential starting role at Ajax, Akpom’s journey from Arsenal’s academy to his current status as a goal-scoring sensation reflects the unpredictable nature of football careers and the significance of finding the right environment for player development.
