Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has stated that Kelechi Iheanacho is one of the best young players he has ever worked with throughout his managerial career.

Iheanacho has been making quite an impact over the course of the current campaign and the young striker grabbed a marvellous hat-trick in Manchester City's 4-0 FA Cup victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park on the weekend.

Pellegrini has been full of praise for Iheanacho following his fine display against Villa and has now stated that the teenager ranks alongside the likes of Javier Mascherano, Isco and Santi Cazorla as one of the best youngsters he has ever worked with.

Pellegrini said: "I think he is one of the best young players I have seen.

"Kelechi started working for us at 17 years old when I went with Txiki Begiristain and Mike Summerbee to try to get him a work permit.

"I told them that I had had the fortune to work with important young players like Mascherano, Isco, Santi Cazorla, and I knew from the beginning that Kelechi, if he worked hard and understood what it is to be a professional footballer, would have brilliant years for this club."