'Has an eye for a pass' - Middlesbrough coach agrees with Manu Garba, reveals Iheanacho's best position

Middlesbrough head coach Michael Carrick has rallied behind Kelechi Iheanacho, calling for greater support from fans following the club’s narrow 1-0 loss to Leeds United at the Riverside Stadium.

Iheanacho, who joined Boro during the winter transfer window, endured a difficult outing against Leeds and was substituted in the second half for Morgan Whittaker.

The Nigerian international, visibly below his usual standards during the match, was booed by sections of the home crowd as he left the pitch — a reaction that left Carrick both surprised and disappointed.

Speaking ahead of Boro’s upcoming clash with Millwall, Carrick addressed the treatment of the Super Eagles striker, reminding supporters of Iheanacho’s recent contributions to the team’s strong run of form.

"I don’t know what the mad fuss is about to be honest,” said the former Manchester United midfielder, according to The Northern Echo.

"He's played in a team that has just won a number of games in a short period of time.

"He's been a big part of that. He made two goals at Blackburn, scored in the one before that, a massive goal for us at the time. Perspective is important."

Carrick also took the opportunity to clarify Iheanacho’s best position on the pitch, noting that the forward thrives in a deeper attacking role.

The Boro boss in on the same page as 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup-winning coach Manu Garba, who recently told allnigeriasoccer.com that Iheanacho thrives best in a supporting role behind the main striker, where he can create scoring opportunities.

"It’s a natural position for him,” Carrick explained. ”He can create goals, and he can score goals - he’s done that throughout his career. 

"He’s a danger, he can link-up and has an eye for a pass and a through ball. His positioning in and around that area is good as well."

Carrick emphasized that his attacking players are given the freedom to express themselves, and reiterated his belief in Iheanacho’s qualities.

"I’ve said it for quite some time anyway, front players are quite fluid anyway in the way the link up. We’re not quite so rigid, especially in those attacking areas. The players have the freedom to go and express themselves.”

Middlesbrough will be hoping to bounce back when they face Millwall, with Carrick counting on the support of fans to help players like Iheanacho rediscover their confidence and spark.

Adeyemi Adewale

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