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Puel Suggests Iheanacho Must Prove Himself for Leicester’s Number 10 Position
Leicester City manager, Claude Puel, has indicated that Kelechi Iheanacho has a limited time frame to demonstrate his suitability for the coveted Number 10 shirt. The Foxes have been on the lookout for a long-term solution to partner striker Jamie Vardy, but both Iheanacho and Shinji Okazaki have failed to make a lasting impact in the role.
According to reports from the Leicester Mercury, Iheanacho initially performed well in the position during the first 30 minutes of the match against Southampton last Thursday. However, his influence waned as the game progressed, resulting in a drop in Leicester’s tempo. Consequently, he was substituted during the second half. The Nigerian forward also struggled to impress in the number 10 role while representing the Super Eagles in their 1-0 victory over Poland in an international friendly last month.
Puel acknowledged the need for players to step up and seize the opportunity to solidify their position in the team. “I think until the end of the season, it will be an opportunity for different players to play and establish themselves, perhaps finding a suitable solution,” he stated in an interview with the Leicester Mercury. Puel also commended Okazaki’s hard work and praised Iheanacho’s performance in the recent game against Southampton, highlighting his intensity and quality.
However, Puel emphasized that Iheanacho, being a young player, still has room for improvement and can provide a valuable option for the future. With various alternatives available, the manager expressed his interest in exploring different possibilities.
Since joining Leicester City, Iheanacho has made 17 appearances in the English Premier League and 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing three assists. As the season progresses, the pressure is on for the Nigerian forward to prove his worth and claim the coveted Number 10 role.
Leicester City fans eagerly await the outcome of this intriguing battle for the Number 10 shirt, as the team strives to find the perfect partner for Jamie Vardy’s attacking prowess.
