Pellegrini's secret weapon
Aguero or Kevin de Bruyne are the biggest hopes in Man City's efforts to find a goal at the Bernabeu, but most likely, the goal will come to them from a name completely unfamiliar to Real Madrid.
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That is Kelechi Iheanacho, a 19-year-old Nigerian striker.
In fact, only Real Madrid fans feel unfamiliar with Iheanacho, because in the Premier League, this striker has made a strong impression, most recently with a double against Southampton in the Premier League. First was a very quick header and then a technical finish from the edge of the penalty area in the style of Aguero.
In total, Iheanacho has scored 13 goals for Man City this season after 32 matches, equivalent to 1,034 minutes. In terms of scoring efficiency, Iheanacho is showing like a veteran striker when it only takes him 79 minutes for a goal. In addition, he has 5 assists for Man City in all competitions.
This is certainly a turning point season for Iheanacho as he really steps into the limelight and becomes City's first choice striker. If he can score against Real Madrid tonight to help City progress, the Nigerian striker will shorten that process.
Iheanacho only came on in the first leg after David Silva picked up an injury, but Pellegrini knows what to expect from a striker who has scored seven Premier League goals this season (Iheanacho has scored every 87 minutes, more than any other player to score two or more in the Premier League), despite only starting five times. Real Madrid's defenders may be used to Aguero, De Bruyne and Sterling, but Iheanacho is an unpredictable player who could surprise them.
Iheanacho is making waves at City, but the 19-year-old striker has a great start. He shone at the 2013 U17 World Cup, helping Nigeria win the tournament and winning the Golden Ball himself with six goals and seven assists. It was his extraordinary performances in the UAE that earned him a move to City, having joined from Nigeria's Taye Academy in January 2014.
Pellegrini revealed in January that he allowed Stevan Jovetic and Edin Dzeko to leave Man City last summer to give Iheanacho a chance to develop his potential. And so far, he has been right.
Casemiro: “Man City is not just about Aguero” Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has warned his teammates that Man City have more than just Sergio Aguero, the English side have many other threats. Man City just lost 2-4 to Southampton in the Premier League in a match where Aguero sat on the bench to save his strength for the big match with Real Madrid. Clearly, Aguero is Man City's biggest hope at the Bernabeu tonight, not least because of the 28 goals he has scored for the English team this season. “Man City doesn’t just have Aguero. They have many other great players with great quality. We have to keep an eye on all of them and concentrate on the game. Real Madrid have to play with strength and high alertness,” Casemiro warned his teammates. Manager Manuel Pellegrini will be hoping that Aguero can make a difference at the Bernabeu, but it is clear that Man City cannot rely solely on the Argentine star. In the first leg at the Etihad, Aguero played very disappointingly and did not leave any mark. |
According to thethaovanhoa
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