Chuba Akpom has been a revelation this season for Middlesbrough having scored 16 league goals so far this season. 

His current tally makes him the top goalscorer in the Championship so far with no signs of him slowing down either. To make matters more surprising, this is Akpom's best goalscoring season ever, with his ten being his previous best.

Not only has it blown his previous record out of the water, but he could also be Boro's first striker since Bernie Slaven in the 1989-90 season to score 20 league goals in a season.

Many Boro fans would have been forgiven for thinking Akpom's career on Riverside wasn't due to last much longer this summer, considering he has been on the periphery of the squad, as well as being shipped out on loan.

However, he's more than made his mark this season, as he highlighted the change in role that has enabled him to reach his potential. Speaking to club media, Akpom explained: “I wish I’d been playing in a deeper role throughout the whole of my career! I’m enjoying it.

"Playing in a nine previously helps me with my movement up top and with my back to goal but I feel like coming to feet is when you can see the real me - getting on the half turn, playing one-twos, connecting the play and dribbling - this is what my game is all about.

“I’m glad that everyone gets to see it, I just need to keep working on."

Akpom could also become the first player to score 20 total goals in a league campaign since Fabrizio Ravanelli in 1997. To manage two accolades like that not only shows how clinical Akpom has been this season but how desperate Boro are for a striker who can find the net consistently.

Michael Carrick's side are firmly in the race for the top six, and could also be an outsider for a place in the top two. To achieve that though, Akpom will need to maintain his current run of form, something he will certainly be confident of achieving.

 

 

The Verdict

Akpom's turnaround in form has been exceptional. He was already finding the net before Carrick's arrival, but the subtle change in role has enabled him to progress further.

His link up play has been fantastic, this is highlighted by his second goal against Blackpool, combining well with Riley McGree. While his individual ability was on show with his first against the Tangerines.

He hasn't become this good overnight. It's clear he just needed to be played in a role that suited him and Carrick is doing that, and is reaping the rewards for it.