Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho has now scored 10 goals in the Premier League, despite only attempting 14 shots on target in the competition.
It's one of the stats that says so very much about the special talents of a football player. 14 shots, 10 goals. It's a ratio that even the great Gerd Müller would have been proud of.
Iheanacho came to City's attention due to this superb goal-scoring prowess. Having represented Nigeria at every youth level (from under-13 upwards), he shot to top on every scout's radar when he bagged six goals (including one in the final) and the Golden Ball along with it.
He technically qualifies as a City Academy product and is the first to break through under the new monied regime.
However, the major drawback with playing for a side like City is that you have to contend for starting places with the likes of Sergio Aguero. When fully fit the Argentine is the best striker in the league, and so it is but natural that many of Iheanacho's appearances have come from the bench.
What he's done with those appearances is what makes him so special; Fast, skillful and intelligent on the ball, his greatest strength appears to be the supreme clarity of thought he has when he gets the ball at his feet – his positioning ensuring that this occurs mostly in the most dangerous of areas.
Often times the one quality that differentiates a good striker from a great one is this clarity of thought – the ability to ensure your mind doesn't get muddled with the plethora of options that are often available -and to ruthlessly pick the one that has the most chance of success.
As that stat posted above shows, he's proved it again and again on the big stage.
The Key numbers for Iheanacho -
- Matches Played - 19
- Goals scored - 11
- Assists provided – 4
