It is a somewhat strange situation. Akpom is in many ways not a refined Ajax footballer. Those who are, were all on the bench on Thursday. Akpom is namely very fit. That applies to a much lesser extent to Brian Brobbey, Steven Bergwijn and Bertrand Traoré.
That is why Francesco Farioli once again gave his trust to Akpom. That trust paid off in Poland. Akpom’s first goal on a pass from Steven Berghuis was beautiful, his second he scored from a rebound and the third he shot in from the penalty spot.
“A hat-trick is a great feeling for a striker,” said Akpom when he saw the pop cap of Ziggo Sport shoved under his nose. “It’s special, amazing. My first goals of the season, but the win is the most important. I always give everything. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I’m happy to represent Ajax.”
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Akpom was not always so lucky in the last matches. There were also chances to score then, but it did not work out. Now he did. “I am a positive person. I keep trying. Even if it goes wrong a few times. I always do that. That perseverance pays off.”
That Akpom was allowed to start again fills him with joy. He also knows that he can leave. Maybe he wants to leave himself, but as long as he is there, he does his job. “I don’t focus on rumours. I just give one hundred percent for Ajax. I did that now too. I block out all distractions.”
“I try not to listen to it,” he continues. “I love working under this coach. I feel happy. I appreciate that Farioli has confidence in me. I am grateful and happy that I can wear the Ajax shirt. Who wouldn’t be?”
And the match ball? That goes back to Amsterdam with Akpom.
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