After analysing the statistical importance of Kasper Schmeichel and Wilfred Ndidi across recent weeks on LCFC.com, this time we take a detailed look at Mahrez’s numbers in a City shirt this season.
Mahrez’s 97th minute equaliser at King Power Stadium took his goals tally, in all competitions, into double figures for a third consecutive season.
A reliably creative spark within Claude Puel’s talented squad, the 27-year-old has already played a crucial role in some of the 2017/18 Premier League season’s most memorable moments.
Goals scored: 9
Leicester City ranking: 2
Total Premier League goals: 36
While Mahrez still has ground to make up if he's to catch joint top goal-scorers Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah (24), his tally of nine is bettered only by Jamie Vardy (13) among City’s squad. Now enjoying his fourth season of top flight football on Filbert Way, the Sarcelles-born forward also sits second in Leicester’s all-time Premier League goal-scorers (36), above Emile Heskey and Muzzy Izzet (both 33), Tony Cottee (27) and Matt Elliott (22).
Goal assists: 7
Leicester City ranking: 1
Total Premier League goal assists: 24
As well as being a smart finisher in front of goal, Mahrez has proven his ability as an architect of scoring opportunities for his team-mates too. Top of the Club’s 2017/18 assist rankings (7), City’s No.26 has played a indelible part in several vital goals this season - not least Vardy’s 50th all-time top flight strike against Manchester United in December, when he deceived England's Chris Smalling to play his colleague into space.
Scoring attempts: 58
Leicester City ranking: 1
Total Premier League scoring attempts: 283
Mahrez is known for keeping goalkeepers busy, a fact highlighted by his status as City’s top-ranking attempt-maker (58), above Vardy (49), Ndidi (37) and Demarai Gray (28). His confidence with the ball at his feet has been displayed on several occasions this term, with audacious efforts against Tottenham Hotspur (2-1 W), Newcastle United (3-2 W) and Southampton (4-1 W) all flying into the back of the net from lengthy distances.
Crosses: 108
Leicester City ranking: 2
Total Premier League crosses: 530
Predominantly a winger, albeit one who occasionally plays in the centre off a lead striker, it should come as little surprise to see the Algerian wizard firmly among City’s highest crossers of the ball this term. Opposite number Marc Albrighton (185), second in the Premier League’s overall figures, leads the way for the Foxes, trailing Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne by just six.
Through balls: 11
Leicester City ranking: 1
Total Premier League through balls: 50
Often found lurking on the shoulder of defenders, Mahrez has once again played his role as tormentor-in-chief for opposition players up and down the land this season. Always on the look-out for his attacking colleagues in dangerous positions, the former Le Havre man is renowned for picking the right moment to play the likes of Vardy, Shinji Okazaki or Kelechi Iheanacho through in on goal.
To see Riyad Mahrez's 2017/18 stats in full, click HERE.
Statistics accurate as of Wednesday 7 March, 2018.