Kelechi Iheanacho scored a brilliant hat trick as Leicester City crushed Sheffield United aside from the 2020/21 Premier League game on March 14th.
Iheanacho who was out of favour at the King Power Stadium was recently called up by coach Brendan Rodgers, who decided to start the duo of Jamie Vardy and Iheanacho up front.
The starting role was however handed to him after injury fell on Harvey Barnes who has been Leicester City’s top performers since the beginning of the season.
For Iheanacho, it was the beginning of a new Era at the King Power Stadium with the introduction of Brendan Rodgers to the side.
His problems started as he was not able to fulfil his full potentials, even though he was scoring for fun in friendly matches involving the foxes.
Harvey Barnes was quickly called back from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion and the signing of Ayoze Perez, making it difficult for him to shine.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s hat trick and how it has spiked his confidence in the Premier League
He was the first to record his name on the score sheet after a well-worked drive through the six-yard box fell nicely for him to put the Foxes ahead in the 39th minute.
His second goal also came off an impressive effort once again from the talisman Jamie Vardy, as he yet again located the Nigerian who was no time to score his second on the day thirty minutes after his first goal.
The hat trick was finally completed a well-timed pass from Wilfred Ndidi fell nicely ice again for Kelechi who had to take a shot from a distance to score his first Premier League hat trick for Leicester City.
His performance was enough for the high praises on him by the manager of the team.
The FA Cup record, an achievement as a result of a high level of confidence
Facing a Manchester United side was an uphill task for Brendan Rodgers and his boys to handle.
But little did they know that are still players that would to overcome the Red devils.
Jamie Vardy’s poor form in front of goal in recent matches was also a big concern, not to mention the injuries surrounding the team.
But it took another brilliance from Iheanacho, who had to pounce on a defensive error to lead the way for the foxes in the first half.
Even as the United side brought on several key players in the second half, it did not stop the foxes from unleashing what they had.
Iheanacho’s header was enough to secure a place in the next round for the foxes.
Moving on
After surpassing Didier Drogba’s initial record as the highest African FA Cup top scorer, the stage is now set for a continuation of his impressive form.
At least, returning from the international break would be another avenue to continue with his impressive form.
Right now, the player’s market value had increased, causing the top hierarchy at Leicester City to consider extending his contract with the club as a measure to keep at the club as Vardy’s long term successor.
The future for Iheanacho, his contract and Leicester City stance
Before the end of the 2018/19 season, the former Manchester City product extending his contract with the foxes now valued at 3.2 million pounds a year.
The contract was worth five years, meaning his stay at the club would come to an end in 2022.
However, keeping up with his current impressive form, he could see his contract extended further at the club since he is still one of the youngest first-team players.
Hopefully, at the beginning of the 2020/2021 season, that club would consider negotiating for an extension of his contract probably for another five years with his current form still running until then.
The project at the club would require them to acquire quality goal scorers and qualification for UEFA Champions League will make it necessary for the to head to the market.
As per Leicester City Mercury, the club had inquired about the availability of Christian Erikson. Although the publication also revealed that the deal had collapsed.
But the club would still make a move in the transfer window since they one of the richest Premier League clubs now valued at about five billion pounds.
Right now, the hat trick Kelechi Iheanacho got in the win against Sheffield United would serve as his main inspiration.