Akpom could break Middlesbrough’s 33-year-old record if he scores again

Akpom has been superb this season, and he looks set to write his name on the sands of time

Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom could become the first Middlesbrough player in 33 years to score 20+ league goals in one season if he scores for the club again.

Akpom has been an absolute delight this season, especially since Michael Carrick became the coach of Middlesbrough. The 27-year-old goal poacher has been the major lynchpin for the team, scoring 19 goals in 27 Championship games.

His goals have also been important because they have helped Boro climb higher up the table. The club sits third in the league, seven points away from the second automatic promotion spot.

Akpom used to be an ordinary player, failing to hit the mark at all the clubs he played for. The former Arsenal man’s best season was in 2012/13 when he scored ten goals for the Gunners’ junior team. Since then, Akpom has not hit double figures.

This season, he has turned things around, and he has won the hearts of many Middlesbrough fans.

Akpom could soon engrave his legacy in the club’s history books. The Nigerian striker is currently on 19 goals in the league this season, but if he adds to it, he would become the first player since Bernie Slaven (1989/90) to score 20+ league goals for Middlesbrough.

Boro play Reading on Saturday at the Riverside Stadium, and he can fancy his chances against them.

The Royals have conceded in their last nine away fixtures while Middlesbrough have scored at least one goal in their previous eight home games.

Middlesbrough are favourites to win, and Akpom would be snacking his lips at the opportunity to break the long-standing record.