Scunthorpe United’s Hakeeb Adelakun has been presented with the EFL young player of the month award for November after an impressive period for the high-flying Iron, including hitting winners against both Northampton Town and Bradford City, as well as a number of assists.
The 21-year-old was a key feature in a Scunthorpe side that remained unbeaten throughout the month of November, achieving maximum points in Sky Bet League One with four victories as well as securing their progression in the Emirates FA Cup.
“Honestly, it’s unbelievable. I didn’t know I was getting this award and didn’t expect it at all so I’m absolutely delighted,” Hakeeb explained upon receiving the accolade.
Initially making an impact from the bench earlier this year, Adelakun appears to have reached a turning point in the season, as throughout November he consistently produced a number of impactful performances for Scunthorpe in all competitions, responding to the challenge set by manager Graham Alexander.
“It’s been a really good run for not only myself but also the team. It is good to see that we’re all sticking together and fighting for each other.”
Graham Alexander’s side are one of the form teams in the EFL and currently occupy fifth position in Sky Bet League One, just five points behind Shrewsbury Town and the automatic promotion places.
With six victories in their previous 10 in League action and just two defeats, Adelakun proved to be the match winner against promotion contenders Bradford City last month and the midfielder was quick to suggest that any success is based around a strong team ethic within the group.
“We’re grinding out results and believing we can pick up three points in every fixture. Even in games where I’m perhaps struggling in certain areas, my teammates are able to pick me up, and that is the same for everyone that features. I wouldn’t define myself as any type of player, not even necessarily a goal scoring midfielder, but I do think I’m a composed player and can finish well. It’s always a nice moment to score goals and I’m enjoying it at the moment.
“Now we have to just keep going and push ourselves to get better. The results have been a positive recently but there is a long way to go, so we’ll see what happens.”