'Kelechi is a proven player' - Sevilla coach backs Iheanacho to come good despite early struggles

Sevilla manager García Pimienta has passed a vote of confidence on Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of his side's La Liga clash with Real Valladolid at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium today.

 The Super Eagles forward joined the UEFA Europa League record champions this summer as a replacement for Youssef En-Nesyri, who had left for Fenerbahçe.

He hasn't had the best start to life in Seville as he has only been handed one start and has been an unused substitute in two games.

Spanish forward Isaac Romero has been the preferred choice to lead the attack but the 24-year-old is yet to register a goal this season, despite starting all but one game.

Iheanacho came on as substitute for Romero in the last fixture against Deportivo Alavés but couldn't prevent Sevilla from losing for the third time this term.

Speaking in his pre-match conference ahead of the Real Valladolid game, Pimienta expressed his confidence in the Nigerian forward's ability to succeed at the club, though he stated that he needs to step up his game.

"Everyone, whoever plays up front tomorrow has to do well. Kelechi is a proven player. The other day he had a difficult game because he came on without warming up," Pimienta told the club's official website.

"Just like the rest, he has to take a step forward because he has the quality to do it at Sevilla."

Iheanacho's slow start hasn't been helped by Sevilla's poor form, which has put Pimienta in a very tough spot, as the Spanish manager must now put a string of good results together to avoid getting sacked.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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