Leicester City have done well to stay in the top half of the points table this season but manager Claude Puel has a few issues in his squad to worry about. He might lose a star player in Riyad Mahrez, who is wanted by a host of clubs in the English top flight. He has been an integral part of the squad and needs to be replaced adequately and the manager seems to have already identified his target.
Leicester City Want Hazard To Replace Mahrez:
The Foxes seem to be resigned to the fact that Mahrez will quit the club at the end of the season and are looking for a player who can replace his quality in the first team. And one name doing the rounds is that of Thorgan Hazard.
According to reports in Germany, Claude Puel will make a move for Borussia Monchengladbach star Thorgan Hazard, the brother of Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard. The report claims that the Blues have first-refusal on his signature but do not seem interested in bringing him to Stamford Bridge, which could see Leicester make a move in the summer.
Who Is Thorgan Hazard?
A product of the academy at Lens, Thorgan Hazard joined Chelsea back in 2012 but failed to establish himself in the first team, spending most of his time at the club out on loan. He was loaned to Monchengladbach first in 2014, a deal which was later made permanent and Hazard has done really well, to cement a place in the first team at the Borussia-Park.
A right-footed winger, who can play on the left flank and through the middle, just in behind the striker, the 24-year old, like his sibling at Chelsea, is a gifted footballer with a great understanding of the game. A specialist in dead ball situations, Hazard loves to have the ball at his feet and though is not as good a dribbler, is adept at finding defence-splitting passes on a consistent basis.
He is quick in counter-attacking situations but is adept at passing his way through tough defences. His crosses and through balls have been a delight to watch in the Bundesliga. He has eight goals and four assists in all competitions this season and will be a decent addition to most teams in England.
His strength in the air and in hold up play, along with defensive discipline will be a matter of concern but at just 24, he has seven international appearances for Belgium and is a star in the making.
Can He Replace Mahrez?
The Algerian winger won the PFA Player of the Year award not so long ago, winning his team the league title. He has nine goals and seven assists in all competitions this season in England and has similar numbers to Hazard.
At 27, Mahrez is a slightly more reliable option and the fact that the former Chelsea man is yet to make a league appearance in England will make him not such a great replacement for the Leicester City playmaker.
But Mahrez submitted a transfer request late in January and there is little chance of seeing him in Leicester City colours next season. So the Foxes should keep a close eye on how Hazard fares in Germany, as they have enough time to identify the right targets and not indulge in a panic-buy.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored