The match winner for Leicester City in the 1-0 FA Cup win over Gillingham Kelechi Iheanacho isn’t a name that requires introduction when it comes to the English Premier League.
Iheanacho was a part of the success Leicester City enjoyed in the FA Cup two years ago but despite the team struggling for goals which is something he can give the team, he still hasn’t been considered to be a starter.
The Nigerian has started just two matches this term. In the only Premier League game in which he has been in the 11, he scored inside 60 seconds.
His lack of game-time is in spite of the fact Patson Daka and Jamie Vardy are failing to hit the net as often as City would hope. Daka has not scored in his last nine outings, while three of Vardy’s four goals have come against lower-league opposition in the Carabao Cup.
Asked what is the reason behind it, Rodgers explained that it’s because of the way he sets up his team and how the other players respond to the demands of playing with a high press. The coach also hinted at the inconsistency of the forward as another reason.
“I think it’s because of Patson and his pressing and how he has done when he’s played,” the City boss said this week. “Obviously none of our strikers have scored a great amount of goals. I put that down to other aspects of their game, rather than them not finishing.
“He (Iheanacho) has played better in a two, rather than up there on his own. Kel’s a specific type of striker. When I have gone for pace, which I normally have through the central area, it’s been Patson or Vards who I’ve played.
“Obviously if ever I’ve needed to swivel it to two up front, then he’s been a part of that. But he’s a really good option for us, whether he begins on the bench or he starts. Sometimes Kel comes into the game and is amazing and then he’ll do something in the same game which is not so good.
“But what I always get from him is 100 per cent commitment. I’m always pretty sure, whether he starts or comes off the bench, he always gives his very best”, he stated.