Leicester City Fan View: Riyad Mahrez here to stay? It would be a huge bonus for Leicester City

Ignoring the Manchester City game and result, Leicester City have been on the up in recent weeks. There’s been noticeable improvements both in form and working as a team again.

Part of enjoying the resurgence has been in the joy of watching a rejuvenated Riyad Mahrez. The winger has been back at his dribbling, opposition humiliating best again.

With goals and assists to boast, it’s been a welcome sight.

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A return to form for Riyad Mahrez

There may not have been many positives from the Manchester City loss, but Mahrez was one. In a free roaming role, he was the brightest of the Leicester players. Only a very busy Kasper Schmeichel denied him being the Foxes man of the match. If we were ever going to get a goal, the Algerian would have set it up or scored it. He’s been in fine form lately, recovering from early frustrations in a similar way to his team.

As with any player of his style, he’s not likely to shine if the rest of his teammates aren’t. Complaints surrounding Mahrez are largely about one of two things: consistency or a lack of defending. Critics that favour the latter will concede that the Algerian did far more than his fair share of defending last weekend. It’s a positive in one way, but precisely why we struggled to get the ball, or take it forward. When he did find himself forward, it was during our few dangerous moments.

Having Claude Puel at the helm, able to communicate in his native French language, is a bonus. Generally, Mahrez has always looked at his most dangerous when he’s content off the pitch too. He certainly seems more settled again. December is only a week away, so transfer speculation isn’t far off. Prone to distraction around this time of year, it will be interesting to see the winger’s form in the coming month. Leicester will need him focused and firing on all cylinders.

It’s been a few weeks of him reminding us what we’d lose if he were to leave. That looked a certainty in the summer. Whether it would be in January or next summer was unclear. Reluctantly, I’d come to terms with it too. I’ve just been trying to enjoy watching him each week. Perhaps that departure may be delayed once again though. He’s certainly hinted at it himself.

Foxes fans dream of another season

Riyad Mahrez’s future has, and will continue to be the subject of speculation. Foxes fans can be hopeful again though. In the summer, only the price tag kept the winger with us. Even then, there was a nervy moment on deadline day. For fans resolved to lose him, another six months has been a pleasure. Yet one that makes you dare to want more. Mahrez himself declared he’s happier again and he didn’t rule out staying with us a little longer.

It’s disappointing that we won’t see Mahrez at the World Cup, Algeria failing to qualify in some fashion. Perhaps it’s also less pressure on the winger though. It’s the same in a Leicester side who have options for goals across the field. Should we be able to retain Mahrez for another six months, or longer, it can only be a good thing. Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s the best I’ve seen at our club in terms of exciting football, world class touches and that first touch he has. When he inevitably does move on, it will be sad. Keeping him, having the chance to watch more of that skill, it’s a privilege.

Roma were his suitors in the summer. Will the Serie A club still be interested? It’s unlikely with the Foxes equally unlikely to drop Mahrez’s price tag. The winger could certainly do a job for Roma, but they did make an alternative purchase and have done pretty well so far without either of them.

Leicester will hope their good record against West Ham continues. It’s four wins and a draw in the last five against the Hammer. The Foxes are mainly looking to bolster their away record and get another crucial three points though. The Algerian helped us in both of our previous away games at the Hammers, grabbing a couple of goals against them. Claude Puel will be focused on putting that Manchester City result firmly in the past.