Player Topic: Kelechi Iheanacho (2015/16)

[Saddleworth2]

The two ladies we sit next to at the Etihad call him Ian because they struggle a bit with Iheanacho and 'he looks like an Ian'! C'mmon Ian!!

 

[eversince 76]

Great 90mins for the lad. Now this is where it gets more interesting. How levelheaded is he? Can he play 2 games within 4 days (remember Lopes)? Is he ready to play more minutes on a consistent bases? How will he cope with a drop in form that happens to any young player after a while?
What we as fans need to realize this was just the one game. He will get a lot more on last nights' performance m but he is young and opponents will now notice him. Approach him differently. Add to this the change of expectations from the fans and he will run in to problems soon enough. That is where he can come out a star or cme out and be loaned out with no returning. Let's not overhype the player and support his development.

 

[OrigamiNinja]

I tend not to get too excited over our youngsters because the vast majority simply wont be good enough for us. Its likely only the top few percent will ever make it at City but this kid has it all. He is the absolute real deal.

It is imperative he gets significant game time because he would already walk into most other Prem sides. Giving him 5 mins here and 10 mins there is not the way forward! He must start either alongside Bony on Saturday or in place of him!

 

[Deleted member 58678]

Had a good game. A goal and two assists, great stuff and will only get better.

From last night's game I really noticed that he looks very one footed to the point where he looks a bit clumsy when running with the ball. And he hasn't yet got the natural instincts for where to make his runs into the box when on the attack. But all should hopefully come in time.

Still the pass for de Bruyne's goal was inch perfect, his finish was great and he didn't stop working all game. Was enjoyable to watch him.

 

[Blue Smarties]

Just watched his interview. He's so determined and down to earth.

"Do you think you've done enough to keep your place in the squad for the weekend?"
Replies along the lines of "I think, there is not enough until the end, so I will keep giving my best until I retire"

 

[supercity88]

Deserves to start on the weekend. Was excellent. His creativity as well as his goal threat means he should be starting. We've given him a chance and he took it and some, it would be cruel not to award that. Our more senior striker hasn't looked as dangerous so it's a no brainer to me. He's 19, so only a year or so younger than Sterling. Sterling coped with playing week in week out at that age, Nacho looks like he'll have no problem at all.

 

[Summerbuzz]

Positives

Good technique. Passes and shots are accurate and hit cleanly and quickly.

Awesome vision and awareness for someone just hitting the first team.

Always available for passes. Always making movements.

Decent pace, certainly over a short distance. Didn't fade as the game wore on.Strong enough to hold his own against a physical side.

Unselfish with the ball, works hard when we don't have possession.

Looks a very likeable and reliable sort of guy.

BUT

It's still early days. Looks pretty 'in-form' and has been playing without pressure - this never lasts. His form will dip markedly at some point, probably for quite a while. And defenders will learn about him.

He's 19, not 17.... and doesn't look particularly 'young' 19 - his physique and pace might not develop much more. Similarly, there are no guarantees his game intelligence is something that can be improved upon. I'd actually say some of his endless movement was a bit off. Anyway, if he becomes a regular around the first team he will be drilled into doing the same four or five things over and over. They might not be the things he enjoys the most. This can lead to a player stalling somewhat.

And playing 40 top flight games a season, year after year is a completely different physical and mental challenge to breaking into the team.

Basically, he's in his honeymoon period. Enjoy it. Long may it continue. Don't build up expectations and pressure. Live in quiet hope, and be prepared for setbacks.

 

[oakiecokie]

Positives

Good technique. Passes and shots are accurate and hit cleanly and quickly.

Awesome vision and awareness for someone just hitting the first team.

Always available for passes. Always making movements.

Decent pace, certainly over a short distance. Didn't fade as the game wore on.Strong enough to hold his own against a physical side.

Unselfish with the ball, works hard when we don't have possession.

Looks a very likeable and reliable sort of guy.

BUT

It's still early days. Looks pretty 'in-form' and has been playing without pressure - this never lasts. His form will dip markedly at some point, probably for quite a while. And defenders will learn about him.

He's 19, not 17.... and doesn't look particularly 'young' 19 - his physique and pace might not develop much more. Similarly, there are no guarantees his game intelligence is something that can be improved upon. I'd actually say some of his endless movement was a bit off. Anyway, if he becomes a regular around the first team he will be drilled into doing the same four or five things over and over. They might not be the things he enjoys the most. This can lead to a player stalling somewhat.

And playing 40 top flight games a season, year after year is a completely different physical and mental challenge to breaking into the team.

Basically, he's in his honeymoon period. Enjoy it. Long may it continue. Don't build up expectations and pressure. Live in quiet hope, and be prepared for setbacks.

He still wont get the same mediawankfest that the new OT Messi gets.

 

[Nixon_The_Bike_Thief]

Can we revise our CL squad in January? I would have liked to see this lad in it from day 1. If we can put him in, who do we drop from the squad? Discuss

Still not seen a definitive answer but, I believe there is a chance that by January he will have been with us for 2 years and that allows him to be classed as an academy under 21 so can be included on the B list without us having to leave anybody out of the named list. Its the reason that Roberts always plays the Youth CL, he doesn't qualify for our B list until he's been with us for 2 years.

As stated, I have not seen this confirmed anywhere but all the regulations appear to fit this scenario.

 

[Deleted member 58678]

He still wont get the same mediawankfest that the new OT Messi gets.

Nor do we want him to.