How Leicester City can bring the best out of Kelechi Iheanacho
By Arnav Bhatia
Kelechi Iheanacho is an integral member of this new look Leicester City team gunning for an immediate return to the English Premier League after last season’s devastating relegation. The 26 year old forward has started four of the five Championship league games so far and while he hasn’t lit up the division with goals, he has justified his starts as a key player in the team.
Given the constant rumours linking Iheanacho away from the King Power a few weeks ago, fans will be relieved that the Nigeria international stayed put. Having him in the side will play a factor in deciding the team’s success this season.
In five appearances so far (four starts) this season, Iheanacho has failed to hit the back of the net so far and has assisted once. These are typically not good readings for a forward but what he brings to the team is cohesion. Without an attacking midfielder in the team, there is often a gap between the forward line and the midfielders. Iheanacho is proficient at dropping back deeper to receive the ball and facilitate chances for the inverted wingers or the bombarding central midfielders.
While the importance of the centreforward’s presence in the team is not disputed, the data suggests there is room for improvement in his performances so far. Let’s have a deeper look at his numbers.