Michael Carrick says he followed his instinct in handing Chuba Akpom his new Middlesbrough role, with the striker continuing his blistering form with another goal in the draw with Bristol City.
Akpom has scored in all of Carrick’s three games in charge and has four in his last five, with the new head coach’s decision to play the striker in a slightly deeper No.10 role looking like a masterstroke.
His latest strike earned Boro a point which was the least they deserved against the Robins on Saturday in Carrick’s first home game in charge.
- READ MORE: Michael Carrick's mixed emotions after Bristol City draw, as boss hails Middlesbrough fans
“I'm sure if you ask him he won't be that delighted because we haven't won, but he has to be happy with the way he's playing, what he's bringing to the team and enjoying his football,” said Carrick of Akpom.
“The boys are a little bit frustrated. They know they've played well and left one out there, really. But Chuba has done great. He's enjoying himself. He's found that role where he's getting a bit of freedom and getting on the end of things in the box, so long may that continue.”
Asked what it was he saw that made him think Akpom would suit the role he’s playing in, Carrick said: “I don't know, it's just instinct at times. That's the beauty of football, we all have different opinions and see different things.
“I just saw something in Chuba to think he might suit that role. I'm not set on a certain system, it's trying to play to the players' strengths, and that's kind of where he's fallen in and he's doing great.”
With Akpom in blistering form, the World Cup will be an unwelcome break for the striker.
Carrick said: “Sometimes when you're in that form you just want the next game, and I think we're all like that at the moment.
“There's a great spirit, a good energy and a good focus on trying to be better. We have a chance to do that Tuesday, so we're looking forward to that.”
- READ MORE: How Boro players rated against Bristol City
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