“It’s been difficult” – Super Eagles-eligible forward Akpom opens up on his new role at Ajax

Super Eagles-eligible forward Chuba Akpom has shared his struggles with adapting to his new role at Ajax Amsterdam, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ajax secured the signature of the English Nigerian to bolster their frontline in the 2023 summer transfer window after a stellar stint with Middlesbrough.

Since then, the former Arsenal forward has featured in the centre-forward, Attacking midfield, and the right-wing but under the management of Francesco Farioli, Akpom has recently been deployed on the left wing this season, despite being naturally a central striker.

Akpom, who is known for his goal-scoring ability in the box, admitted that the transition to playing wide has been challenging. In his new position, he finds it difficult to feel fully effective, as his strength lies in playing centrally.

“It has been difficult. But I try to adapt. It is not natural for me to play on the side. I do my job for the team and I always try to give one hundred percent, but it has been difficult to adapt to that.” Akpom said, speaking candidly about his situation, as quoted by Ajaxshowtime.

The 29-year-old explained that as a striker, he is most comfortable in the penalty area, where he can score goals. However, playing as a winger requires him to perform duties that are less familiar.

“The most difficult thing? I am simply used to being in the centre, I am a box player. That is where I want to come, be, score. That is my game. So that is quite different from now.” he continued.

By stats, Akpom has scored most of his goals this season from the centre forward and none from the wings. Akpom has still managed to get into goal-scoring positions, even from the left wing. He referenced a recent goal he scored as an example of how he tries to adapt his style to his new role.

“Even as a winger, I try to get into the penalty area as much as possible, like I did with my goal today.” he stated “But you are a winger, so you also have to be available on the sideline for the left back to pass to. I follow the instructions of the coach, but it is quite different from what I am used to. So that is quite difficult.”

Watch the goal here:

Ajax wint van Telstar mede door deze heerlijke goal van Chuba Akpom #ajatel

— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) December 19, 2024

Despite the difficulties, Akpom remains committed to the team’s success and prefers playing in an unfamiliar position rather than being sidelined.

“But in the end, I prefer to play in an unnatural position than to sit on the bench, so I can’t complain.”

The former PAOK Salonika player has maintained a good amount of playing time under the management of the Farioli, scoring seven goals in 26 appearances.