Ligue 1: Montpellier boss Der Zakarian in awe of Akor’s quality

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Ligue 1: Montpellier boss Der Zakarian in awe of Akor’s quality

Montpellier manager, Michel Der Zakarian says he is surprised with Jerome Akor’s immediate impact at the club.

The Nigerian striker linked up with La Paillade from Norwegian club, Lillestrom in the summer.

The 23-year-old has however settled down well in his new vicinity, churning out impressive performances for the former Ligue 1 champions.

Akor has already scored seven goals in 11 outings for Montpellier.

Only Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals than him in the French top-flight this season.

“I’m surprised what he’s doing. In a championship, which is not easy, he quickly adapted. Scoring goals and creating chances as he does is very good,” Der Zakarian told Allez Paillade.

“He makes good sequences, decisions, technical gestures and he likes to work. I don’t know if it’s a crack but he scored 24 goals in 2023.”

Despite Akor’s remarkable start to life in Norway, Der Zakarian believes there are some areas the former Flying Eagles striker needs to improve.

“He can still make much progress. With his size, he can do better in the air, both in timing and mobility. His hold-up play is impressive, and his consistency. He repeats high-intensity runs, It’s surprising,” the former Nantes manager added.