Former Middlesbrough striker Akpom, now an Ajax Player, saw off competition from Burnley’s Josh Brownhill, former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres, Carlton Morris of Luton, ex-Sheffield United star Iliman Ndiaye and Nathan Tella to pick up the prestigious PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in the Championship Division.

The ex-Arsenal man was awarded the Golden boot last season, having hit 28 league goals for Boro – and 29 in total, earning Michael Carrick’s side a place in the play-offs

He faces a new chalenge this season, having already made a £10 million ($13m) move to Eredivisie giants Ajax earlier inthe summer.