Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has thrown effusive words of praise in the direction of Nigeria international forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
Iheanacho played 14 matches for City in all competitions last season and Al Mubarak has now taken the time to offer words of praise for the starlet.
Al Mubarak says it is important for Iheanacho to get more playing time under his belt.
“We’ve had some good experiences this year with pushing some of our talents from the academy and Kelechi is a great example of that,” he said. “Credit to Kelechi at his age to rise and score 14 goals at this level.
“He’s got a goal-per-minute ratio that is quite remarkable comparable to many important players around the world.
“I think next year and the years that are coming he will have more minutes and I hope he will keep that goal-per-minute ratio at the level it’s at right now,” Al Mubarak said in his end of season address.
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Meanwhile, Iheanacho is expected to be rewarded for his outstanding breakthrough season with an improved contract at City.
The Nigerian international was one of the star performers in what was an ultimately disappointing campaign under Manuel Pellegrini – scoring 14 goals in 11 starts.
And he will be handed more opportunities by Pep Guardiola – despite the incoming City manager targeting a striker this summer, with Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on his radar.
With Iheanacho contracted until 2019 it is understood City are relaxed about his position – despite speculation surrounding his future.
Any improved deal would be a reward for his impressive form since breaking into the first team – rather than any pressure to tie him to a longer deal.
The City chairman singled the 19-year-old out for praise in his end of season address – making it clear that he is considered a major part of the club’s future.
Isaac Nobenz
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