Please do not mind the title of this piece. This is not some gist about animals but about a distinguished personality who thrived in the ‘most impossible’ terrain.
How interesting! Leicester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez has been voted the PFA Player of The Season by his fellow Professionals. The 25-year old Algerian has been instrumental to the feat achieved thus far by the Foxes netting 17 times, and providing 11 assists in 34 league.
More interesting is the fact that the player who hails from Algeria (Desert Foxes as the national team is fondly called) signed for a team also nicknamed Foxes. While in the ‘desert’ he almost did not agree to come to civilization’. The player mentioned how he was counselled against a move to England from second division French side, Le Havre thinking it would be difficult to survive due to his style of play (less physical).
‘Everybody was saying to me ‘Riyad, England is not for you, it is too physical, too strong, Spanish football would suit you better … so I never thought I would play in England,” Mahrez told the Guardian in September 2015. Having spent a total of three years in Le Havre, he agreed a deal to join the then English Championship side Leicester City in January 2014. He was phenomenal in their promotion quest to the Premier League.
Today, it could be said that the once timid has become a revered name in the EPL. He’s got eyes for goal, dribbles at ease and precise in passing. What more can you ask of a midfielder of his caliber. Also to add, a team player considering his contribution to the team combining with the likes of Ngolo Kante and Jamie Vardy.
It can also be said without fear of contradiction that these guyz have changed the mindset of teams in the lower division. It is possible to get promoted to the Premier league and cause upsets. Very possible! All it takes is believing and staying confident just as the Foxes have shown to the entire world.
This achievement makes him the first Leicester City, and African Player to win the award.
Featured image source: 50sportswire.com
