'Look at his CV' - Sevilla coach labels Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner Iheanacho a great player

Sevilla coach García Pimienta has labelled 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner, Kelechi Iheanacho a great player despite his struggles since he arrived at the club last summer.

All has not gone to plan for the Nigerian striker since moving to the Spanish side from Leicester City, as he has yet to score a goal in the Spanish La Liga and has no place in the starting line-up.

The 28-year-old has managed just four starts in the Spanish top flight, with Pimienta preferring Isaac Romero over him.

Due to his lack of confidence, Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen started him in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda last month, but failed to impress.

He has been an unused substitute in the last two La Liga games, though he could have played against Osasuna on Monday, but the injury to Albert Sambi Lokonga altered the plan to bring him on.

Speaking ahead of his side's meeting with UE Olot in the second round of the Copa Del Rey tomorrow, Pimienta described Iheanacho as a great player and confirmed that he will play in the game.

"He was ready to come on, but Lokonga had a slight issue and Agoumé went out. He’s training very well, he hasn’t played more because I’ve considered that Isaac is doing well," Pimienta told Sevilla's official website. 

"Tomorrow he will participate, and if you look at his CV, you can see he’s a great player, but in no case are we considering anything."

The 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup winner started his career with Manchester City before moving to Leicester City where he helped the latter club win the FA Cup.

He also has 56 caps under his belt as a Super Eagles player to support Pimienta's statement about his quality.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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