- Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho backed by Sevilla boss García Pimienta to shine against Real Valladolid
- Sevilla’s Romero Isaac’s injury presents an opportunity for Iheanacho to start more games
- Super Eagles player Ejuke scores winning goal for Sevilla after coming off the bench
Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho’s Sevilla journey hasn’t started as expected, but prior to their critical La Liga encounter with Real Valladolid, García Pimienta backed the Nigerian forward to rise to the challenge. Having moved to Spain in the summer as a replacement for Youssef En-Nesyri, Iheanacho is yet to find his rhythm, with Sevilla’s poor start to the season also not helping his struggles.
The Nigerian international arrived at Sevilla from Leicester City, where he was a key player, but prior to the match against Valladolid, he had only featured once in Sevilla’s first five matches this season, failing to register a goal or assist.
Despite this, Pimienta voiced his confidence in Iheanacho, who now has an opportunity to stake his claim for a regular starting role. With first-choice forward Romero Isaac sidelined due to a sprained ankle, the door is open for Iheanacho to impress the Spanish coach.
Sevilla’s striker Isaac who has started all but one of Sevilla’s matches this season, has also been far from prolific, failing to score in any of his appearances. This has placed increased pressure on Pimienta, whose side has already suffered three defeats.
Iheanacho, who came on as a substitute for Isaac in their last game against Deportivo Alavés, also couldn’t turn the tide as Sevilla fell to another loss.
Nonetheless, Pimienta remained optimistic prior to the game about the Nigerian’s ability to contribute, emphasising that the Nigerian forward needs to raise his level, saying,
“Everyone, whoever plays up front tomorrow has to do well. Kelechi is a proven player. The other day he had a difficult game because he came on without warming up.”
With Sevilla’s current form also far from ideal, both player and club find themselves in a situation where improvement is essential to remain in contention for a top 4 finish in the Spanish league. Pimienta stressed that Iheanacho, like the rest of the team, must step up.
“Just like the rest, he has to take a step forward because he has the quality to do it at Sevilla,” Pimienta noted.
Unfortunately, Iheanacho failed to make the words of his manager count as he struggled through the match failing to make a decisive goal contribution against Real Valladolid with fellow compatriot Ejuke, coming off the bench to save the day despite a goal scare from the visitors.
Iheanacho explains the meaning behind his ‘senior man’ nickname
Previously, TheRadar reported that after securing a two-year contract with Sevilla FC with an option of a third year, Kelechi Iheanacho disclosed the story behind his nickname in his first official interview with the club.
Sevilla FC had earlier announced the signing of the Nigerian striker from Leceister City FC. The former Leicester City forward, whose contract expired at the end of last season, put pen to paper on a deal with the Andalusian club.
