Akins’ praises ‘natural goalscorer’ Hemmings
LUCAS Akins rates team-mate Kane Hemmings as one of the best natural finishers he has seen in his time in the game.
The long-serving Burton Albion forward says Hemmings’ knack for being in the right place to tap in close-range chances is not something a player can be trained to do well.
Hemmings has scored 13 goals this season.
He did not get off the mark until his 10th appearance of the season, when an equaliser bundled in from four yards earned the Brewers a point away to Bristol Rovers.
His 13 have come in a run 23 appearances from that point – and not all of those have been starts.
They have also come with a combined estimated distance of 111 yards – one from the edge of the box but all of the others inside and more than half from within six yards. He averages 8.5 yards per strike. “I’ve been lucky to play with some fantastic strikers, natural goalscorers, and that’s what Kane Hemmings is – someone who was born to score goals,” said Akins, who has scored nine himself.
“You are born with that knack, to be in the right place at the right time and get that finishing touch.
“That’s something I don’t think you can train or teach.
“It’s fantastic to watch and I’m really enjoying playing with Kane.
“Someone showed me some stats and he’s up there with the best in the league for minutes per goal.
“He’s done that all his career and he recently scored his 100th goal, which is fantastic for someone who works as hard as he does.”
Akins says Hemmings has had to adapt his game to the demands for work-rate from manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
“The way the manager wants to play, Kane has to marry the two. He has to keep scoring and still do what he does for the team,” said Akins.
“In terms of a natural-born scorer, I think he’s the best I’ve played with.”
Hemmings has also made his mark when things have not been going so well.
He is a player who wears his heart on his sleeve and his frustration is sometimes all too evident – perhaps it is not surprise that all but one of his five bookings have come in defeats.
“He is one of the biggest moaners!” confirmed Akins.
“He’s constantly demanding, whether it’s about service or whether he thinks someone could be doing better – and it’s good.
“He’s really passionate. He’ll come in the changing room after a game if we’ve not done as well as we might and he’ll tell the lads in no uncertain terms.
“Whether that’s right or wrong, it gets people thinking.
“He never hides behind the fact that he’s scored a few goals or had a good performance himself, he’s always the same.
“He’s Burton born and bred, he’s been to the old stadium, his dad played for the club – this move meant a lot to him.
“And then there’s what he does in the community away from it.
“He’s a fantastic character and a fantastic role model.”