The Stats That Prove Iheanacho Is Improving Defensively Ahead Of World Cup

Kelechi Iheanacho is one of Nigeria's most consistent strikers but the Leicester City man is improving defensively ahead of the 2018 World Cup, going by his defensive contributions against Southampton on Thursday evening.

According to the statisticians at whoscored.com, Wilfred Ndidi led the way in tackles during the game at the King Power Stadium, with six tackles made.

Iheanacho and Southampton duo Cédric Soares and Dusan Tadic had the second best tackling rate with three .

The Foxes number eight made one clearance and committed two fouls, and only Marc Albrighton and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg with three fouls each played dirtier than the former Manchester City wonderkid.

Iheanacho was deployed as a secondary striker against Southampton, playing behind Jamie Vardy.

Last month, USA 1994 World Cup star Austin Eguavoen advised the Super Eagles players not to leave defensive duties only to the defenders in the team during the 2018 World Cup.

''You can't leave defending duties only to a back four, back three or back five, it is the entire unit as a team that defends,'' Eguavoen told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''Defensively I think we are solid enough because when we have eleven players behind the ball at every given time, defense will not be breached.

''But If we go forward and people are strolling back and leave defensive duties only to the back four then we have a problem.

''As a unit, as a group If we work closely we will have a very tight team.''           

Ifeanyi Emmanuel