Leicester City: Who will be the heir to Riyad Mahrez’s throne?
By Nathan Wong
Oh, Riyad Mahrez, how Leicester City have missed your dazzling presence on the right-wing! Whilst the Algerian has not endeared himself to Foxes fans since leaving the King Power, his loss is still felt even after two years. As of yet, no one has managed to fill the Mahrez-shaped hole on the right-hand side.
After another failed pretender (Cengiz Ünder) last season, it’s imperative that the Foxes recruit a match-winning RW this transfer window. Therefore, these are some potential options that could light up the KPS in the coming season.
Should Leicester City use what they have?
Marc Albrighton, Rachid Ghezzal and Kamal Sowah
Stick or twist, that is the question. One solution would be to utilise current options, though this would probably not be wise with the Foxes aiming to challenge the top-four. Marc Albrighton is a fans favourite, and a trusty presence on the wing. Let’s not forget his quality on the ball too. Yet, he is not the goal-scorer or match-winner Leicester City need.
Meanwhile, Kamal Sowah has had a relatively successful spell at OH Leuven, with 13 goal involvements in 34 appearances. However, it would probably be wise for the young winger to spend another season on loan, potentially in England to gain more experience, rather than being given a baptism of fire. Potentially Rodgers may use him as a squad option, to provide depth in what will be another gruelling season.
Rachid Ghezzal, the ‘Poundland Mahrez’ has flattered to deceive when he has played for Leicester City. Whilst the same position and nationality as his Algerian counterpart, Rachid has shown little of the quality that Mahrez treated us to regularly. Despite struggling in the Premier League, Ghezzal has been in excellent form on-loan at Besiktas, managing 18 assists and 7 goals. Such statistics are promising, although respectfully occurring in a much less demanding league. Regardless, his renaissance will likely help put him in the shop window rather than see him return to Brendan Rodgers’ side next season.
Chance of any of these taking Mahrez’s throne: 2/10- Leicester City are too ambitious to do this… I hope!