Babalola Oluwatomiwa
Social Member
Manchester City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, has backed Kelechi Iheanacho to become a force to be reckon with in the English Premier League after helping his side demolish Crystal Palace 5-1 in Capital One cup fourth round on Wednesday evening.
The Nigerian international, who played all 90 minutes for the Pellegrini's side scored in second half of the game against the team he scored his first EPL goal against to help City reach the last eight of the tournament.
Ivory Coast's Wilfried Bony opened scoring before, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure, Kelechi Iheanacho and Manuel Garcia made it five on the night.
And Pellegrini believes Iheanacho's display will prove a foundation for future improvement.
"It was very important for him," said the boss in quotes on the club's official Twitter account.
"He's not just a striker. I see how he works every day. He will continue to improve.
"He's not just a finisher. He always plays with his head up. He can play behind the striker."
City are the favourites to lift the trophy after Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United exited this week.
Yet Pellegrini is refusing to look too far ahead, adding: "We're not thinking about the final in February. We're thinking about Norwich on Saturday and then Sevilla."
One worry for Pellegrini was right-back Pablo Zabaleta being stretchered off just after half time with an apparent knee injury, although the manager was unable to provide any form of update on the Argentinian.
"We will see how he is tomorrow," Pellegrini said. Goal
The Nigerian international, who played all 90 minutes for the Pellegrini's side scored in second half of the game against the team he scored his first EPL goal against to help City reach the last eight of the tournament.
Ivory Coast's Wilfried Bony opened scoring before, Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure, Kelechi Iheanacho and Manuel Garcia made it five on the night.
And Pellegrini believes Iheanacho's display will prove a foundation for future improvement.
"It was very important for him," said the boss in quotes on the club's official Twitter account.
"He's not just a striker. I see how he works every day. He will continue to improve.
"He's not just a finisher. He always plays with his head up. He can play behind the striker."
City are the favourites to lift the trophy after Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United exited this week.
Yet Pellegrini is refusing to look too far ahead, adding: "We're not thinking about the final in February. We're thinking about Norwich on Saturday and then Sevilla."
One worry for Pellegrini was right-back Pablo Zabaleta being stretchered off just after half time with an apparent knee injury, although the manager was unable to provide any form of update on the Argentinian.
"We will see how he is tomorrow," Pellegrini said. Goal
