Parkin Criticises Iheanacho’s Impact at Middlesbrough

Former Chelsea striker Sam Parkin has voiced his concerns over Kelechi Iheanacho’s impact at Middlesbrough, stating that the Nigerian forward does not match the level of Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Iheanacho arrived at Boro during the winter transfer window after a frustrating spell with Sevilla. However, he has struggled to make an impact, failing to score or provide an assist in his first few games against Sheffield United, Watford, and Bristol City.

Latte Lath, whom Iheanacho was brought in to replace, left for Atlanta United in January after an impressive stint, where he netted 29 goals across two seasons. The Ivorian has wasted no time settling in at his new club, scoring twice on his debut in Major League Soccer.

Speaking on the Championship Check-In Podcast, as reported by Gazette Live, Parkin questioned the decision to replace a prolific striker like Latte Lath with Iheanacho, arguing that their playing styles are vastly different.

It’s hugely disruptive to lose your main goalscorer in the middle of the season and not adequately replace him. They’ve replaced Latte Lath with Iheanacho, who is a very different type of player Parkin said.

While he acknowledged Iheanacho’s ability to hold up play, he raised concerns over his consistency in front of goal.

I like Iheanacho in terms of his hold up play I enjoyed watching him at times last season at Leicester. But there were moments when he didn’t look like a definitive goal threat, unlike Latte Lath, who consistently provided both goals and overall play over the last 18 months,” Parkin added.

With criticism mounting, Iheanacho will be eager to prove himself and justify Middlesbrough’s faith in him in the coming weeks.

Editorial

Kelechi Iheanacho’s slow start at Middlesbrough has raised questions, but dismissing his abilities too soon would be unfair. His struggles so far highlight an issue many clubs face replacing a prolific striker with a player of a different profile. Middlesbrough lost a direct and clinical finisher in Emmanuel Latte Lath, and in his place, they signed a forward who thrives more on link-up play and technical ability rather than sheer goal-scoring.

Iheanacho has shown his quality in the past. His time at Leicester City saw moments of brilliance, particularly in cup competitions. But his inconsistency remains a concern. He has never been the kind of player to guarantee 20 goals a season, and expecting him to instantly fill Latte Lath’s void is unrealistic.

Middlesbrough’s system may also play a role in his struggles. At Leicester, he often operated in a two-striker formation or played just behind the main forward, where he was most effective. If Boro’s setup does not cater to his strengths, it could explain why he has yet to make a mark.

That said, Iheanacho cannot afford a prolonged adjustment period. The Championship is an unforgiving league, where physicality and quick decision-making are key. If he does not start delivering soon, the scrutiny will only intensify. He needs to prove that he can adapt and make an impact in a different environment.

Did You Know?

1. Kelechi Iheanacho won the Golden Ball at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he helped Nigeria lift the title.
2. Emmanuel Latte Lath began his professional career at Atalanta but spent most of his early years on loan before establishing himself at Middlesbrough.
3. Iheanacho scored a hat-trick for Leicester City against Sheffield United in the Premier League in 2021.
4. Middlesbrough last played in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season, finishing 19th and getting relegated.
5. The club’s Riverside Stadium, which opened in 1995, was one of the first all-seater stadiums built in England following the Taylor Report recommendations.