Kelechi Iheanacho the hat-trick hero for Leicester City

Published: March 15, 2021

No longer distracted by continental commitments in the European competitions, Leicester City have been able to turn their full attention to the Premier League.

The team in blue are also determined to ensure they remain in the top four, cementing their place in second position thanks to an emphatic 5-0 win over Sheffield United.

"He�s a great guy. He deserved the three goals." ??????

The manager reflects on a memorable afternoon for @67Kelechi and the Foxes ?
— Leicester City (@LCFC) March 14, 2021

The star of the show at the King Power Stadium was Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho, smashing home a superb hat-trick, taking his Premier League scoring tally to six goals in 16 games.

The 24-year-old has also scored one goal in three FA Cup outings, along with three in seven Europa League encounters, which puts him well on course to register his best season in English football.

Premature European Exit

Although the Premier League form of Leicester City has been superb of late, they will undoubtedly have been frustrated by their premature Europa League exit.

The Foxes were beaten in both legs during the Round of 32 by Slavia Prague. The Czech Republic outfit have been one of the surprise packages in the competition, going on to test themselves against Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers in the Round of 16.

Leicester, who are currently third in the Premier League, are knocked out of the Europa League by Slavia Prague ? pic.twitter.com/as07yPKTVi
— Goal (@goal) February 25, 2021

Those who remain in the competition are now battling for a place in the quarter-finals, and all the Europa League odds point to the potential of more upsets with both Rangers v Slavia and United v Milan finely balanced and close in odds.

In the same Round of 32 that saw Leicester City eliminated, despite being one of the outright favourites, Napoli were also dumped out of the competition by Granada.

Competing in Europe for the first time, the Spanish club is aiming to go as far as they can.

Premier League Priorities

Despite the disappointment of having failed to go further in Europe, it would appear that Leicester City have now doubled their Premier League efforts.

The prize for finishing in the top four would be qualification for the Champions League, which is fair compensation for their short-lived run in the Europa League this time around.

The ?? is all yours, @67Kelechi ?#LEISHU | @LCFC pic.twitter.com/vnSYckM8eb
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 14, 2021

After smashing five past a struggling Sheffield United side, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the table, Leicester City now appear to be hitting top form at just the right moment.

Entering the final stretch of the campaign, Manchester City have what many believe is an unassailable lead at the top. However, the Foxes are now making a strong claim for second spot in the league.

Nigerian Starring Roles

For his excellent performance against Sheffield United and the hat-trick, Iheanacho was man of the match with a perfect 10 rating.

That will come as a great boost to morale, especially partnering Jamie Vardy in attack, who set up two of his goals. Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers will have been delighted; hopeful this dynamic duo can continue an impressive run of form.

50 - Kelechi Iheanacho has been directly involved in 50 goals in 76 starts across Leicester and Manchester City, scoring 36 and providing 14 assists. Product. pic.twitter.com/QeeK22zwlf
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 14, 2021

Meanwhile, the star man for the Foxes has undoubtedly been fellow Nigeria international, Wilfred Ndidi.

The 24-year-old has endured a difficult time with injuries this season, yet back to full fitness, the man from Lagos is proving why he is one of the most highly valued Premier League midfielders.

He will undoubtedly be key to any success enjoyed by Leicester City, now and in the coming years.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : lcfc.com