Leicester City star Kelechi Iheanacho has insisted that he is better off playing as a center forward amid calls by some Nigerian fans that he should be deployed as a playmaker.

The Taye Academy product was utilised as an advanced playmaker operating on the wings during the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup and showed off his qualities in that position by setting up seven goals as the Golden Eaglets won the tournament a record fourth time.

Since moving to England in 2015, Iheanacho has been saddled with the task of scoring goals and not to unlock defences and he has explained why he wants to continue playing as a striker.

In an Instagram Live conversation with Funnybone, Iheanacho said : "It's not about where I function better, modern football has changed.

"The position I am playing now, let me tell you the truth, it pays me, you know what one goal means, if you score one goal you know what it means.

"Number 10 is good, you pass the ball and create chances very well but the position they put me if I score one it's something big and gives confidence.

"Some people want me to play number 10 because it was my favourite position in the Nigeria U17s, whenever I play number 10 I enjoy because I have a free role but we are in modern football."

Iheanacho, who plays second fiddle to Jamie Vardy at Leicester City, has admitted that he's taking a page from the former England striker by wanting to get on the scoresheet when he is called into action.

"I watch Jamie Vardy every time, whenever he enters the pitch he always targets the ball and scores.

"If I enter it's the same thing Vardy is targeting I'm targeting - score and the rest is history.

"My position now should remain the same, it pays me well," Iheanacho concluded.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : lcfc.com