Kelechi Iheanacho’s benching in Celtic’s 3-1 victory over Falkirk has sparked discussion, with former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton explaining that manager Martin O’Neill’s decision was influenced by the Nigerian forward’s limited pressing ability. Despite Iheanacho’s impressive brace in the 6-2 win over St. Mirren the previous weekend, which helped secure Celtic’s place in the Scottish Cup final, he was left out of the starting lineup in favor of Japanese forward Daizen Maeda. Maeda responded with a strong performance, scoring two goals to help the Hoops extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Sutton, during his post-match analysis, highlighted that O’Neill values pressing intensity in his attacking players, a quality he believes Iheanacho lacks. “That pressing is something which Martin O’Neill feels that Iheanacho can’t do,” Sutton stated, as reported by 67hailhail. He added that Maeda brings greater quality in holding the ball and maintaining possession, which suits the team’s current tactical setup. This insight sheds light on the strategic thinking behind O’Neill’s selection, emphasizing the importance of positional discipline and work rate in modern football.
Iheanacho, who joined Celtic as a free agent in September 2023, had made a promising start to his Hoops career, scoring twice in his first three league appearances. However, his season has been hampered by recurring injuries, which have limited his playing time and disrupted his rhythm. The 29-year-old has only recently returned to full fitness and is gradually regaining his match sharpness. His return comes at a crucial time, with Celtic pushing to defend their Scottish Premiership title and aiming for a domestic double.
Despite the setback of being benched, Iheanacho remains a key figure in Celtic’s squad, especially given his proven goal-scoring ability. His experience and composure in front of goal could be vital in the final stretch of the season, particularly in high-pressure fixtures. As the campaign enters its final phase, the Nigerian international will be eager to earn back his starting spot and contribute to the team’s success. With only a few games left, every opportunity will be crucial for Iheanacho to prove his value and solidify his role in the team’s title push.
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