Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has revealed that Kelechi Iheanacho’s talent had never been in doubt despite the heavy criticism trailed the striker during his downtime.
The 24-year-old scooped another award on the back of his blistering form which won him the Premier League Player for the month of March.
Iheanacho was announced winner of the the Leicester City Goal of the Month award for March.
The former Manchester City man fired home a first-time volley after he was set by his compatriot and teammate Wilfred Ndidi to help the King Power Stadium outfit share the points with Burnley.
Iheanacho saw off competition from Ayoze Perez, Youri Tielemans, U23 star Kasey McAteer and Leicester City Women’s stars Shannon O’Brien, Esmee De Graaf and Sam Tierney to clinch the prize.
Ndidi, who lauded the Iheanacho’s recent rise, claimed the striker’s new found form was no fluke; rolling back the years to when he represented the county at youth level.
“Kelechi’s talent was never in doubt, but as it is in life people love to criticise others when they are down,” Ndidi said.
“He was unfairly criticised and judged by different people. This is someone I have known from our youth days at the under-17s and I know his quality, so it’s not a fluke that he is producing his best football again.
“I am very happy for him because he’s doing wonderfully well now and everyone can see.
“It’s just sad that when he needed encouragement in the past few years many were quick to write him off, but thankfully some of these people have now turned around to praise him. That’s life.
“He’s a happy guy and Kelechi is only now enjoying a deserving reward for his tireless hard work. When you get the rhythm of games and the support of your coach, teammates and fans, it can only get better.
“This latest chapter is going to give him the belief and confidence that he is a really important player for his club and country.”
Iheanacho has now scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions this season and will be expected to continue the fine showings against West Ham United on Sunday.
His contribution has helped the King Power Stadium outfit to their current third spot on the Premier League standings, behind Manchester City and Manchester United.
