Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez started against Crystal Palace.
Former Sunderland man Kevin Kilbane was baffled by boss Claudio Ranieri’s decision to start Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez on the bench in previous matches, the BBC report.
The Algeria international winger has been one of the standout players for Leicester this season, scoring five goals and adding a further four assists in seven Premier League starts.
Mahrez’s record is comparable with the very best in the top-flight, yet his place in the team isn’t exactly assured as he was rather controversially benched at Norwich and Southampton.
Co-commentating on BBC Radio Five Live, Kilbane says he’s baffled by Ranieri’s decision to previously leave the winger out, and cites momentum as a key factor behind his reasoning.
“I can’t believe that Claudio Ranieri has left Riyad Mahrez on the bench for the last couple of games. He’s a momentum player – bring him off after 70 minutes if it’s not working but I would start him,” Kilbane said.
Who is to argue?
While the decision to leave Mahrez out appears bizarre, who is to argue with boss Claudio Ranieri as the Italian masterminded a victory over Norwich and later picked up a point at Southampton.
If that wasn’t enough evidence of his superb man-management, the Foxes defeated Alan Pardew’s men 1-0, with Jamie Vardy scoring the only goal of the game via a Mahrez assist.
The victory maintains Leicester’s place in fifth spot, momentarily only two points behind leaders Manchester City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
