'He can play in and behind the striker' - Ajax number 9 insists competition with Akpom is not an issue 

Ajax Amsterdam number 9, Brian Brobbey has insisted that competition with Chuba Akpom for a starting shirt does not bother him because the former Middlesbrough attacker is also capable of playing as a support striker. 

The Hale End Academy graduate transferred to Amsterdam club in the summer as the four-time European champions looked to add to their attacking options. 

Top scorer in the Championship last season, Akpom struggled in his first two months as an Ajax player, under dismissed coach Maurice Steijn, but he's enjoying a new lease of life under Ajax's new manager John van 't Schip with three goals in 28 minutes spread across two games. 

Brobbey and Akpom are on form at the moment in the Dutch Eredivisie, netting three goals apiece from their last three appearances in the division, leaving John van 't Schip spoilt for choice ahead of Thursday's Europa League meeting with Brighton & Hove. 

The Dutch football tactician has a decision to make, whether to drop his first choice striker in favour of Akpom or play the two hardworking strikers together from the off. 

"Akpom is doing well. I'm happy for him. I also think he can play in and behind the striker," Brobbey told Algemeen Dagblad, via Ajax Fansite.

"It doesn't really matter to me, as long as I play. I have every confidence in this team, everything will be fine ."

Since his move to Ajax, Akpom has made just one start from a possible fourteen in all competitions. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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