Former Everton forward James McFadden heaped praise on Kelechi Iheanacho after his composed finish for Celtic in their UEFA Europa League match He kills it dead McFadden said as the Nigerian striker continues to make his mark in Glasgow .
In a pulsating UEFA Europa League clash Kelechi Iheanacho stole the spotlight with a moment of quality that left fans and pundits talking Coming off the bench for Celtic the Nigerian forward delivered a composed and technically brilliant finish that gave the Scottish champions a valuable lead against Red Star Belgrade The match eventually ended in a 1–1 draw but it was Iheanacho’s strike that stood out Among the first to praise him was former Scotland international James McFadden who summed up the moment in one simple line He kills it dead The quote perfectly captured the sharp technique and confidence Iheanacho displayed on the European stage .
Match Context Celtic vs Red Star Belgrade
Celtic’s trip to the intimidating Rajko Mitić Stadium was always going to be a tough test Red Star Belgrade are seasoned European competitors and the atmosphere made the encounter even more challenging The first half was tight with Celtic struggling to create meaningful chances Daizen Maeda found little joy against Red Star’s defence and manager Brendan Rodgers turned to his bench at halftime .
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Iheanacho entered the pitch and immediately changed the rhythm of Celtic’s attack His movement added urgency while his positioning gave Celtic a sharper edge in the final third The team began linking passes more fluently and their attacking play carried greater threat The breakthrough came from this shift as Celtic took the lead through Iheanacho’s clever finish Although Red Star equalised later the tone of the game had already been stamped by the Nigerian forward’s impact .
The Goal Technique Timing and Impact
Build Up and Assist
The goal started with precise interplay in midfield before Benjamin Nygren found space on the flank His pass into the penalty area was perfectly weighted Iheanacho anticipated it well arriving in the right pocket of space between defenders The vision of his teammates to carve out the opening was important but the final touch belonged entirely to Iheanacho .
First Touch and Finish
James McFadden’s commentary on the moment highlighted why the strike deserved special mention Speaking on BBC Sportsound he said First of all what a first touch it is he kills it dead and then reverses it into the far corner .
That first touch was decisive Iheanacho’s control instantly neutralised the pace of the ball allowing him to set up the shot with complete composure In the same motion he shifted it slightly and curled it into the far corner beyond the goalkeeper It was a finish full of calmness and class showing no panic even in the tense atmosphere of a European away fixture .
Such technical maturity is what separates good strikers from great ones In games at this level split second decisions and clean ball control make the difference between wasted chances and match defining goals .
McFadden’s Perspective and Praise
James McFadden has seen plenty of forwards up close in his career but his reaction to Iheanacho’s goal underlined the quality of the strike He did not merely compliment the finish but drew attention to the details the first touch the composure and the quickness of thought By focusing on how Iheanacho killed the ball dead McFadden highlighted that great goals are not just about the shot but about everything that happens in the seconds before .
For McFadden this was a piece of craftsmanship not simply an instinctive strike That distinction matters because it places Iheanacho among players who can consistently deliver quality rather than those who rely on moments of fortune .
Iheanacho’s Early Impact at Celtic
This goal is only part of a bigger story Since signing for Celtic on a free transfer in the summer Iheanacho has made an immediate impression In his first three appearances across competitions he has already produced two goals and one assist These numbers suggest he is not a bit part player but a forward capable of shaping games .
It also marks a turnaround in his career After difficult spells with Sevilla and Middlesbrough the move to Scotland seems to have given him fresh confidence and purpose His sharpness in front of goal and the energy he brings from the bench show that he has embraced the opportunity For fans and observers it is a sign that the Nigerian striker is ready to rediscover his best form .
Significance and Implications Going Forward
For Celtic
The goal and the performance send a strong message about Celtic’s attacking options Iheanacho’s ability to come off the bench and deliver adds depth to the squad It also reassures supporters that the team has the firepower to compete in Europe where margins are narrow and every chance counts .
For Iheanacho’s Career
On a personal level the goal represents more than just one point in a group stage match McFadden’s praise provides external validation reinforcing the striker’s confidence Delivering such a finish in Europe strengthens his claim for regular starts under Brendan Rodgers Looking ahead consistent performances of this nature could also bring him back into the frame for the Nigerian national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers .
Conclusion
The phrase He kills it dead may be brief but it perfectly captures the essence of Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal With one brilliant touch and a composed finish he reminded everyone of his quality and his ability to make the difference in tight matches .
For Celtic it was proof that their summer signing can be a decisive weapon in both domestic and European competitions For Iheanacho it marked another step in rebuilding his career and reclaiming his reputation as a striker of genuine class As McFadden’s words echo across Scottish football the challenge now is for Iheanacho to keep delivering moments like this and to turn them into a consistent storyline of success in Glasgow .