'He's fast' - Manchester City coach Guardiola lavishes praise on Iheanacho pre-Leicester City

Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Kelechi Iheanacho before his side's trip to the King Power Stadium, where they face Leicester City in the English Premier League.

Though born in Nigeria, Iheanacho is regarded as a homegrown player by the English Football Association as he spent roughly three years at the Etihad Stadium before sealing a transfer to the Foxes in the summer of 2017.

Iheanacho directly participated in 29 goals (21 goals, 8 assists) in 64 matches in all competitions before ending his association with Manchester City.

The Super Eagle was in the form of his life before the international break, scoring 5 goals in three top-flight matches - a feat that saw him awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for March 2021.

Guardiola has been left impressed by the brilliant performances of Iheanacho over the last few weeks and explained why he parted company with the striker four years ago.

"Incredible. The quality was there, he was a young player here and I believe in that moment with Gabriel and Sergio we didn't have much space," Guardiola said at the pre-match press conference.

"He is a fantastic person, we had a good relationship together so I'm delighted that it's going well lately.

"He's playing for the injured Maddison and of course he links really well with the midfield and he's good in behind.

"He's fast and in the final third he has the right tempo, he's so clear in front of the goal".

Since leaving the Citizens, Iheanacho has faced them seven times in all competitions - losing six and winning just once in the reverse Premier League fixture in September 2020.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : lcfc.com