'Different type of player' - Parkin claims Iheanacho is not on the same level as Latte Lath

Former Chelsea striker Sam Parkin has criticized Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho, stating that he is not on the same level as Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Iheanacho joined Middlesbrough on loan in the winter transfer window following a difficult spell with Sevilla. 

However, he has struggled to make an impact as a replacement for Latte Lath, who left for Atlanta United in January after an impressive spell at Boro.

The Ivorian striker, who was sold for a club-record fee, had scored 29 goals across all competitions in the past two seasons. 

He has already made an immediate impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring twice on his debut for Atlanta United.

In contrast, Iheanacho has failed to register a goal or assist in his first few games for Middlesbrough, including matches against Sheffield United, Watford, and Bristol City.

Speaking on the Championship Check-In Podcast, as reported by Gazette Live, Parkin questioned the club’s decision to replace Latte Lath with Iheanacho, arguing that the Nigerian offers a different playing style but lacks the goal-scoring instincts of his predecessor.

"It’s hugely disruptive to lose your main goalscorer in the middle of the season and not adequately replace him. They’ve replaced Latte Lath with Iheanacho who is a very different type of player,” Parkin said.

While acknowledging Iheanacho’s ability to hold up play, Parkin expressed doubts over his goal-scoring consistency.

"I like Iheanacho in terms of his hold up; I liked watching him at times last season at Leicester. But there were times where he didn’t look like a definitive goal threat like they had with Latte Lath or the general play he provided across the last 18 months,” he added.

With criticism mounting, Iheanacho will be eager to prove himself and justify his move to Middlesbrough in the coming weeks.

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: mfc.co.uk

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