Ajax boss praises Akpom’s work ethics

• Published On: 16 August 2024 at 20:29

 Ajax Amsterdam manager Francesco Farioli has praised Nigerian prospect Chuba Akpom for his incredible work ethic.

Despite his inability to score in their last four league games of the new season, Farioli remains optimistic about the Hale End Academy graduate.

The 28-year-old was the subject of transfer speculation, with reports linking the former Arsenal player with a return to England.

Before the start of the 2023/24 season, Akpom admitted that he was unsure about his future at the Johan Cruyff Arena, but the Italian football tactician was able to keep the player for his second season.



Farioli praised Akpom during a press conference prior to their Europa League third qualifying round, second leg match against Panathinaikos, emphasizing his incredible work ethic.

"Everything comes together. "The mentality, the spirit, the attention to detail," the Italian manager said.

"One of the players seated next to me is an example of this: Berghuis. If you watch the last two games, you'll notice that he scores an important goal, but he also defends, which is more difficult to see, like a fullback or centre-back. We need the energy from sprinting forwards and backwards.We need players with Berghuis' character and personality to set an example on the pitch.

"The fact that we concede less is due to the final line, as well as the attackers who sacrifice themselves.

"That also applies to Chuba; the work he does for the team is exceptional. That is not relevant to you (a reporter), but it is priceless to me."

Akpom had an excellent 2022/23 season with Middlesborough, scoring 28 league goals in 38 games and nearly leading them back to the Premier League.

He went on to become one of Europe's most sought-after strikers, eventually joining Ajax for a fee estimated to be around €12 million.

After a difficult start in Amsterdam, Akpom showed flashes of brilliance, scoring 15 goals and assisting three times in 35 appearances across all competitions.

He will hope to repay his manager's trust in him as the season progresses.

Akpom has four years remaining on his running contract with Ajax, but the Dutch club will let him go for the right price.