Lille defender Mitchel Bakker has expressed confidence in forward Chuba Akpom’s ability to succeed at the French side, despite struggling for playing time.
Akpom joined the Ligue One side from Ajax Amsterdam in the January transfer window on loan till the end of the season, with an option to join on a permanent basis in the summer.
The 29-year old has struggled to nail a starting spot in the team, starting just three of his eight league appearances since joining in the winter.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s match against Toulouse with the club in the hunt for an European spot at the end of the season, teammate Bakker expressed belief in Akpom’s talent, stating that the striker will thrive at the club.
“He’s a great guy, always smiling, and brings a positive vibe to the dressing room,” Bakker said in an interview with the club’s official website.
“He trains hard and, even though he’s not playing much right now, he’s giving everything to prove himself. I’m confident he’ll score some important goals for us.”
The Super Eagles prospect scored on his Ligue One debut in a 2-1 defeat to Le Havre in January and has only found the net once more, in a 2-0 triumph over Stade Rennais a week later.
The striker who is eligible to play for Nigeria became the only the fourth man from the country to score on his debut in the French league, following in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon and Terem Moffi.
The Arsenal academy graduate will hope to get the nod from the start later tomorrow when Les Dogues travel to face Toulouse.
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