Kelechi Iheanacho’s Impact at Middlesbrough criticised

Former Chelsea striker Sam Parkin has criticised Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, claiming he is not at the same level as Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Iheanacho joined Middlesbrough on loan during the winter transfer window after a difficult period with Sevilla. However, he has struggled to make an impact as a replacement for Latte Lath, who moved to Atlanta United in January following an impressive run at Boro.

The Ivorian striker, who was sold for a club-record fee, scored 29 goals in all competitions over the past two seasons. He has already made an immediate impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring twice on his debut for Atlanta United.

In contrast, Iheanacho has yet to score or provide an assist in his first few games for Middlesbrough, including matches against Sheffield United, Watford, and Bristol City.

Speaking on the Championship Check-In Podcast, as reported by Gazette Live, Parkin questioned the club’s decision to replace Latte Lath with Iheanacho, pointing out that the Nigerian offers a different style of play but lacks the goal-scoring ability of his predecessor.

“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,” Parkin said.

While acknowledging Iheanacho’s ability to hold up play, Parkin expressed concerns about his goal-scoring consistency.

“I like Iheanacho in terms of his hold-up play; I enjoyed watching him at times last season at Leicester. But there were times when he didn’t look like a definitive goal threat like they had with Latte Lath or the general play he provided over the last 18 months,” he added.

With criticism building, Iheanacho will be keen to prove himself and justify his move to Middlesbrough in the coming weeks.