Leicester City have undoubtedly been this season’s breakout performers; with six games to go they are sitting pretty on the top of the table, seven points clear of second-placed Tottenham Hotspurs. Their fairytale has been designed by their Italian manager Claudio Ranieri and developed by the likes of Jamie Vardy, N Golo Kante, Wes Morgan and Kasper Schmeichel. Other than these oft-mentioned names, there is another player, who has contributed to more than 20 of the Foxes’s goals this season, he is none other than the mercurial Riyad Mahrez ,Leicester’s wing wizard. The Algerian has scored four goals this season, creating 44 chances and three assists in the Premier League. The left-footed magician has completed 541 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 74%, of which 88% were forward passes, a statistic that should amply show his value to the side.
What can he bring to United?
With Juan Mata and Memphis Depay being inconsistent on the wings, and Lingard and Martial still learning the tricks of the trade, United could do with a 25-year-old wide man who can not only put in crosses but also score a lot of goals( he has gotten 16 this season so far). Squawka says that he has created 47 chances in 31 appearances, which is an incredible number. He is also very good on the ball and has an average pass length of 17 m and a pass accuracy of 72%. With him on the pitch, the Red Devils will get someone who is not only an impact player but also very quick, has a lethal shot and works tirelessly to cover his flank when the ball is lost.
Fan View:
While Riyad Mahrez would pretty much be an ideal signing given how instrumental he has been for Leicester, yet one must not forget that like a lot of players who showed promise, he could fade out after one magical season. Besides, Barcelona are also reportedly interested in him, so that would make his price immensely high. Moreover, at the highest level consistency is the key, and with the likes of Griezmann and Neymar supposedly available in the summer, chasing after Mahrez may not be that wise. All said and done though, it is a hard call to make and the United Board will have to think it all through.
Transfer feasibility: 6.5/10
