Nigeria’s under-20 boss, Manu Garba, has said he believes Kelechi Iheanacho, who is currently with Garba in New Zealand at the under-20 World Cup, could replace Frank Lampard in City’s first team squad next season, with the Nigerian youngster holding many of the same traits as the veteran English midfielder in the manager’s eyes.
Talking to Nigerian press prior to the tournament in New Zealand, Garba said “To be honest I’m not surprised at his performances for Manchester City youth teams as I have said it before – he can play for any team in the world, as a matter of fact they will do well to use him as a replacement for Frank Lampard.”
“He shares similar style of play with the outgoing legend. They can both create and score goals from midfield with late runs into the 18-yard box hardly spotted by opposition defenders.”
He also advised Iheanacho to keep working hard if he is given the opportunity to work with the first team at City, and that seems likely due to his performances with the youth sides and his determination to succeed in City colours, having reportedly rejected a loan move away from The Blues in order to challenge for a spot in the first-team squad next season.
