Michael Carrick is eager to see how Kelechi Iheanacho will boost Middlesbrough’s attack, emphasizing that the team can benefit from the Nigerian striker’s hunger to prove himself.
Iheanacho joins Boro following an impressive career that began in Manchester City’s academy before spending seven years at Leicester City.
During his time with the Foxes, he not only lifted the FA Cup but also played a key role in their Premier League campaigns and contributed to their promotion from the Championship last season.
Middlesbrough secured Iheanacho on loan from Spanish club Sevilla on transfer deadline day.
Despite his impressive reputation, the striker struggled to find his best form at Sevilla.
He managed three goals in 11 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish side.
Now arriving on Teesside, Iheanacho has a challenge ahead, stepping in for Emmanuel Latte Lath, who departed after a difficult stint at Sevilla.
The Ivorian forward struggled for form in Spain, making just five starts without scoring. However, Carrick believes those struggles have made Iheanacho even more motivated to succeed.
“Kel’s got some great experience and pedigree with the level he’s played at over a long, long period,” Carrick explained. “He played against us at the Riverside last season, and even though we managed to come out on top that day, I thought he really showed his quality and what he can bring.
“He’s desperate to play. He’s been a fantastic personality since he arrived and has trained great with the boys. He’s desperate to get started.”
Iheanacho’s arrival aligns with the return of Tommy Conway, who has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained on Boxing Day.
Before his injury, Conway, who was signed from Bristol City, frequently alternated starts with Latte Lath.
Despite Latte Lath leading the team’s scoring charts when he left, Conway boasted a superior goals-per-minute ratio, with both strikers pushing each other for top form.
Looking ahead, Carrick expects Iheanacho to share the attacking responsibility with Conway.
“Throughout the season we played a lot with Tommy [Conway] and Manu sharing the load, and when Tommy was fit, the minutes-per-goal ratio was up there as good as anyone.
“We wish Manu all the best and I can’t praise him enough for how he handled everything, but things come to an end and you move on. Tommy is here and is a massive part of what we do, and now we’ve added Morgan [Whittaker], Kel and Sam [Iling-Junior] too, to add to what we’ve got.”
