In the seven years since Leicester City Football Club sold Riyad Mahrez to Manchester City (wow, that time has absolutely flown by!), the Foxes bosses and recruitment staff have attempted to replace the incredibly talented but flawed persona that is the Algeria international. An ego as large as his skill set did not prevent him from selling his sporting soul and taking the easy route after his Citizens tenure.
Though the winger was arguably the best-ever at King Power Stadium. Mahrez was easily the superior wideman from the turn of the millennium, if not of all-time LCFC history. In my opinion, only the amazingly loyal, productive and talented Jamie Vardy eclipses the 34-year-old regarding Foxes achievement and quality. At any stage.
Although I am aware that some Keith Weller and Frank Worthington enthusiasts will possibly be out for my blood after that sentiment. Nevertheless, Mahrez remains at an almost unattainable level in the Leicestershire club's folklore, if you take my word for it. Like Vardy, and N'golo Kante as well, the Algerian is kind of irreplaceable. However, Leicester finally have a star who can be compared to the great wingman. Ghana National Team representative Abdul Fatawu was labelled 'The New Mahrez' by one reporter. Let's hear what he said.
Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu labelled the New Riyad Mahrez
Recruitment chiefs at Leicester once considered Rachid Ghezzal the replacement for Mahrez. They were that incapable of doing their jobs that they literally found a compatriot who resembled the iconic Fox slightly and tired to pass him off as the successor.
Did they actually think the Blue Army fan base would think nothing of that?! Needless to say, Ghezzal wasn't the right man for the job. Others have tried and failed.
But you have to say that, ability and numbers-wise, Fatawu is the closet you'll get to Mahrez reincarnate. At least, that's the fellow view of season ticket holder Andy Smith:
"The star player really going forward is Fatawu. He’s an absolutely incredible player. His dribbling skills are just unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that since Mahrez.WestBromNews
“He literally picks up the ball on the halfway line and nutmegs somebody at pace, goes on the outside, inside. He’s a really good player, really special player."