Former Chelsea striker, Sam Parkin has questioned Kelechi Iheanacho’s impact at Middlesbrough, arguing that the Nigerian forward is not on the same level as Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Iheanacho joined Boro on loan during the winter transfer window after a difficult spell at Sevilla but has yet to make his mark.
He was brought in following Latte Lath’s January departure to Atlanta United, a move that left a void in Boro’s attack.
The Ivorian, who left for a club-record fee, had netted 29 goals across all competitions over the past two seasons and has already made an instant impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring twice on his debut for Atlanta.
In contrast, Iheanacho is yet to register a goal or assist in his first few appearances for Middlesbrough, struggling to replicate the influence of his predecessor.
Speaking on the Championship Check-In Podcast, as reported by Gazette Live, Parkin questioned Boro’s decision to replace Latte Lath with Iheanacho, stating that the Nigerian offers a different style but lacks the Ivorian’s goal-scoring instincts.
“It’s hugely disruptive to lose your main goalscorer in the middle of the season and not adequately replace him.
They’ve replaced Latte Lath with Iheanacho who is a very different type of player.
While acknowledging Iheanacho’s ability to hold up play, Parkin expressed doubts about his consistency in front of goal.
“I like Iheanacho in terms of his hold up; I liked watching him at times last season at Leicester.
But there were times where he didn’t look like a definitive goal threat like they had with Latte Lath or the general play he provided across the last 18 months.”
Can Iheanacho Prove His Critics Wrong?
With Middlesbrough pushing for a play-off spot, Iheanacho will need to step up in the final stretch of the season.
Head coach Michael Carrick downplayed the idea of Iheanacho being a direct replacement for Latte Lath, noting that striker Tommy Conway was also returning from injury.
However, the Nigerian forward will be expected to contribute if Boro are to turn their season around.
So far, Iheanacho has struggled for match sharpness, having made only two starts in the three months before joining Boro.
There have been glimpses of his ability such as his involvement in Tommy Conway’s goal against Bristol City—but he will need to deliver more in the remaining 13 league games to silence his critics.
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