The need for a striker this summer at Manchester City was evidently clear following the departures of Dzeko and Jovetic, both to the Serie A. However, City were unable to bring in a new front-man.
This meant that City have been left with Wilfred Bony and Sergio Aguero as the only recognised senior strikers in the squad this season. With Bony yet to fully establish himself as a consistent goalscorer for City and Aguero continuing to struggle with injury, City will need another striker this season at times for sure.
Up step Kelechi Iheanacho. The 18-year-old Nigerian joined Manchester City earlier this year and featured in City’s youth sides towards the back-end of last season. His most memorable moment last season was his goal in the FA Youth Cup final versus Chelsea, a tie that City ended up losing 5-2 over the two legs to the London club.
During pre-season this year, Iheanacho impressed, scoring a well-taken goal versus Roma in the International Champions Cup. This certainly helped to improve his stock at City. Manuel Pellegrini took notice, and, has included the teenager in his Premier League squads this season.
Iheanacho made his Premier League debut for City versus Watford before the International break, coming on as a 88th minute sub. Not exactly enough time to be able to make an impact, City won the game regardless.
His next Premier League appearance was just as brief, however, significantly more effective. Iheanacho came off the bench for Bony in the 89th minute before scoring the winning, and only, goal of the game in added time to make sure that Manchester City maintained their 100% record.
Sergio Aguero went off early in the game with what looked like a knee injury and it stressed the importance of the need for another striker at Manchester City. With Aguero out, that leaves just Bony, who is, as I mentioned, yet to consistently score for City. Iheanacho could be the one that comes in and becomes a surprise star at City.
What impressed me most about his goal, as Alan Shearer eluded to on Match Of The Day, was his movement. He is just 18-years-old, however, his movement was that of a striker well beyond his years. He was anticipating the save from McCarthy before Nasri even struck the ball and caught the defenders out before stealing in and getting the ball before everyone else.
The question for the Nigerian and Manchester City now is, can he kick on and establish himself in the City team. It is very unlikely that that is going to be any time soon, with his tender years and the general importance of Manchester City’s games, as they look to challenge for the title. Iheanacho couldn’t be in a better team in England to score goals in the Premier League, playing alongside players such as David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. Two of the best player-makers in Europe are sure to create the chances for Iheanacho to be able to score goals.
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