MIDDLESBROUGH are reaping the rewards of Chuba Akpom's homework, with the in-form striker revealing that he's tweaked his game to ensure he makes the most of assist king Ryan Giles.
Akpom moved joint top of the Championship's goal charts on Boxing Day with his brilliant second half hat-trick against Wigan, all three goals laid on by loanee Giles, who himself moved to the top of the second tier assists standings.
Both players have been key to Boro's turnaround under Carrick, with Akpom scoring nine in his last 10 outings and Giles causing opposition defences all sorts of problems with his brilliant deliveries from the left.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick assesses Middlesbrough's progress during his two months in charge
It's no surprise to hear Akpom tell of how he "loves" playing with Giles, and the former Arsenal man has done his research to ensure he makes the most of the left sider's deliveries, revealing that he's studied clips of the Wolves loanee and his previous loan spells at clubs including Blackburn and Cardiff.
"I love that guy," said Akpom of Giles in an interview with the club website after the Wigan victory.
"He just whips it in with so much quality, you would be silly to not be in there to pounce on the cross. They come in with so much quality and all you need to do is have some smart movement.
"He doesn't know this but I've actually analysed his games from where he was on on loan to try and perfect my movement for his crosses. I've done my own homework and research."
It's certainly paying off for Boro, with Akpom in the form of his life. Only Coventry's Viktor Gyokeres can match his tally of 12 goals for the season so far.
Akpom said: "It's nice to be up there. I'm hungry. I try not to focus on anyone else, I just focus on myself and what I can do for the team."
READ MORE:
- Chuba Akpom's exciting message to Middlesbrough fans after Boxing Day hat-trick
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- Chuba Akpom writes a new chapter in his surprise Boro story
Akpom's initial contract with Boro was due to expire at the end of this season but the club have already activated a 12-month extension.
After his Wigan hat-trick, Carrick was asked whether negotiations over a new longer term deal have started.
“He’s just got himself a hat-trick so he’s going to be knocking on the door asking for one, isn’t he?," laughed the head coach.
"I’m joking, of course. We’re relaxed about that and I’m sure that will be sorted in due course.”
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