By Boyega Johnson
Leicester fans are currently gripped by the race for the Premier League title but once the season comes to an end, their attention will unquestionably turn to whether the club can retain their best players.
One man certain to have admirers across the continent is Riyad Mahrez, who arrived at the King Power Stadium in January 2014 for £400,000 from Le Havre.
Alongside Jamie Vardy, the 25-year-old Mahrez has spearheaded Leicester’s rise to the summit of the Premier League with 18 goals so far this season.
It has earned him admiration from iconic former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi.
‘He is a very good player,’ Xavi told Al Araby Al Jadeed. ‘He suddenly came to my attention this season, I didn’t know about him before, but this season he has blown up.
‘He has made a name for himself among the top names in the English league and played exceptionally well.
‘Thanks to what he has done for his club, he can now play for any big club in Europe.’
And the former Barcelona midfielder was encouraging when asked if he would be happy to see Mahrez lining up alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar next season.
‘Yeah, why not? He could play for Barcelona in the future. He is talented, but that is not in my hands these days.’
Leicester lead the Premier League by five points and next host Southampton on April 3.
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