Central role makes Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez more dangerous – Claude Puel

Playing Riyad Mahrez as a central attacking midfielder makes him more dangerous, according to Leicester City manager Claude Puel.

Puel took the Algeria international off his usual right flank to play behind Jamie Vardy in the Foxes’ 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday.


Having provided an assist for the Foxes’ opening goal to crown an impressive outing, the former Southampton handler disclosed that playing Mahrez behind the target man frees him up to wreak havoc on oppositions’ defence.

“We spoke about football and it was the same on Saturday,” Puel told Leicester Mercury.

“He likes football and watches the games and watches what happens. I just asked about his feeling because it was difficult in the second half to find him.

“In the first half it was very interesting to see him because he is free when he plays just behind Vardy. He can make a good assist and penetration.

“He has qualities and he is a talented player,” he concluded.