Defensive & Forward Play Pleases Iheanacho
- Kelechi Iheanacho says he hopes there’s more to come after playing a pivotal role in Thursday’s victory over Zorya Luhansk
- The Leicester City striker registered two assists and a goal in the 3-0 triumph
- His display saw him nominated for the UEFA Europa League’s Player of the Week award
Thursday night’s Group G opener saw Iheanacho register two assists before he rounded off the scoring against the Ukrainian Premier League outfit at Leicester City Stadium.
While City’s forward line exuded positivity, Iheanacho – nominated for the UEFA Europa League Player of the Week prize – also pointed to the value of their shut out against Viktor Skrypnyk’s outfit.
“It was a great night,” the goalscorer told LCFC TV. “So, 3-0, a clean sheet, we're happy. It wasn't a great start for us, the second half was much better.
“So, we're happy we started well in the Europa League, hopefully [we'll] work more in training and we'll take it from there.
Who gets your vote? 🔥
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 22, 2020
⭐️ Darwin Nuñez
⭐️ Yusuf Yazıcı
⭐️ Kelechi Iheanacho
⭐️ Takefusa Kubo@hankookreifen | #UELPOTW | #UEL
“I'm happy with the two assists and a goal. Hopefully [there's] more to come.
“I think it's my first time [in the Europa League], so I'm really happy. Hopefully, [I'll] play more and get more goals some more assists and help my team.
While Jamie Vardy missed Thursday’s win due to a calf problem, Iheanacho says he did not feel the pressure of having to lead City’s line against Zorya, and three goal involvements substantiated that outlook.
Goals: Leicester City 3 Zorya Luhansk 0
Enjoy the goals from Leicester City's comprehensive UEFA Europa League victory over Zorya Luhansk on Thursday.
“To be fair, there's no pressure on my side,” he said. “Of course, Jamie is a top striker, everyone knows, and we miss him in the team, but if he's not there, I've got the responsibility, so I just need to be calm and help my team and get the results that we need.”
Academy graduate Harvey Barnes, meanwhile, marked his maiden European start with a goal of his own, and Iheanacho was pleased with the way he combined with the winger on Filbert Way.
“Harvey is a great lad,” said Iheanacho. “He's a good runner with the ball and without the ball, so I'm happy playing alongside him and hopefully, we'll play more together.”