This time last year striker Kelechi Iheanacho had only just begun representing Manchester City’s youth teams. Right now, the 19-year-old is arguably Manuel Pellegrini’s most effective impact player.
He is seemingly a lucky charm. In the 414 minutes of BPL action the Nigerian has experienced so far (three starts, 17 substitute appearances) he has only twice seen City’s scoreline go downhill while he has been on the pitch. On both occasions his side were already trailing to Liverpool when he entered the fray.
Alternatively, in six different matches, Man City have seen an up lift in terms of the score during the period Iheanacho has been involved; and he netted crucial winning goals against Crystal Palace and Swansea City.
The youngster’s sprightliness has undoubtedly been a contributing factor.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s first BPL goal was a late winner at Crystal Palace
Although it is easier to sustain an energetic approach when coming off the bench, his sharp movement has the tendency to make something happen. When you compare the number of explosive runs he makes to fellow understudy Wilfried Bony, the difference is clear.
Player
Minutes
played
Kilometres
covered
Km
per 90
Sprints
Sprints
per 90
Bony
1031
107.2
9.4
405
35.4
Iheanacho
412
58.8
12.8
383
83.7
Scoring six times in cup competitions, as well as netting three BPL goals, Iheanacho is also calm in front of goal.
One criticism would be that he does not put himself into goalscoring positions enough. He has only taken on seven shots – but there can be no doubting that he is a natural finisher. Statistically at least, the teenager is by some distance Man City’s most lethal shot-taker.
Culled from Englishpremierleague.com
Conversion Stats for City’s attacking stars
Player
Shot conversion rate (excluding blocks)
Kelechi Iheanacho
42.86%
Sergio Aguero
22.54%
Kevin De Bruyne
19.23%
Raheem Sterling
17.14%
Samir Nasri
14.29%
David Silva
12.50%
Yaya Toure
12.24%
Wilfried Bony
11.11%
