Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho for his decisive impact in their Europa League clash against Red Star Belgrade, describing the forward’s performance as a “game-changer.”
Iheanacho, who joined Celtic in the summer transfer window, came off the bench to make a significant contribution, linking up play in attack and creating chances that shifted momentum in the Scottish champions’ favour.
His composure and sharp movement troubled the Serbian side’s defence throughout the second half after he replaced Japanese international Daizen Maeda, and he capped his introduction into the game with a goal scored in the 55th minute.
While speaking with the press after the game, Rodgers said that his team needed someone to hold up the ball, and Iheanacho did that very well when he was introduced in the second half.
“I thought Kels coming in was very, very good for us,” Rodgers told BT Sport. “We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt that we arrived in the final third in the first half, and then we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold the ball up.
“It’s one of Kels’ great strengths. He can take the ball in, he can use his body well and obviously allows you to progress up the pitch. So he gave us a really much better platform in the second half.”
The coach added that the Nigerian international will become even more important as the campaign progresses, especially in European competition, where his experience and versatility are invaluable.
