The Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho came under fire for his performance against Leeds United last Thursday.
Middlesbrough head coach, Michael Carrick, has urged the club’s fans to quit slandering Super Eagles attacker, but to look on the positive side of things.
In his words “To be honest, I don’t know what the mad fuss is about. He’s played in a team that has just won a number of games in a short period of time.
“He’s been a big part of that. He made two goals at Blackburn, scored in the one before that- a massive goal for us at the time. Perspective is important,” the Middlesbrough manager said in quotes revealed by the Northern Echo.
The Nigerian star joined Boro on loan from Sevilla in January after he struggled to score any league goals for the La Liga side.
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Kelechi Iheanacho of FC Middlesbrough warms up prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Middlesbrough FC at on February 12, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Getty Images)
He arrived following the exit of Emmanuel Latte Lath but has played most of his football at Riverside as a supporting striker, while Tommy Conway has been the team’s striker. Carrick is sure Iheanacho’s best role is behind an outright number nine.
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While he initially struggled with the EFL Championship side, the former Leicester City forward has scored one goal and provided three assists in his last three games.
“It’s a natural position for him. He can create goals, and he can score goals – he’s done that throughout his career.
“He’s a danger; he can link up and has an eye for a pass and a through ball. His positioning in and around that area is good as well.
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“I’ve said it for quite some time anyway, front players are quite fluid anyway in the way they link up. We’re not quite so rigid, especially in those attacking areas. The players have the freedom to go and express themselves,” the former Manchester United midfielder concluded.
