Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Kelechi Iheanacho Celtic performance after the Nigerian striker played a vital role in their 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League.
The match, played on Wednesday night, saw Celtic dominate large spells of possession but struggle to make their chances count. The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Iheanacho, who had come on as a substitute for Daizen Maeda, calmly slotted the ball home to give Celtic the lead. His intelligent movement and strength in attack provided the edge Rodgers felt his side had lacked in the first half.
Though the Hoops could not hold on to their advantage — with Marko Arnautovic equalizing for the Serbian side in the 65th minute — Iheanacho’s influence was undeniable. He not only scored the opener but also created additional scoring opportunities, only to be denied twice by Red Star’s alert goalkeeper.
Rodgers, speaking to BT Sport after the game, was full of praise for the Nigerian:
“I thought Kels coming in was very, very good for us. We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt that we arrived into the final third in the first half and then we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold the ball up.”
Iheanacho’s arrival at Celtic has been closely watched, and so far, the forward is living up to expectations. With two goals and one assist in just three appearances across all competitions, he is quickly proving his worth in the Scottish champions’ squad. His blend of Premier League experience and international pedigree with the Super Eagles makes him a valuable asset for Celtic’s European ambitions this season.
The striker’s composure, link-up play, and ability to trouble defenses highlight why Rodgers was eager to integrate him into the team. For Iheanacho, who previously faced fluctuating fortunes at Leicester City, this move appears to be the reset his career needed.
Fans have also taken notice. Social media reactions after the match were filled with excitement, as many praised his confidence in front of goal and his positive impact on Celtic’s attacking play. His display has sparked optimism that he could become a key figure as Celtic look to progress further in the Europa League and maintain their dominance in the Scottish Premiership.
As the season progresses, Kelechi Iheanacho’s Celtic performance will likely remain a talking point among supporters and pundits alike. If he continues with the same energy and precision he showed against Red Star Belgrade, Celtic could have a reliable goal-scorer capable of delivering in both domestic and European competitions.
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