Mahrez: I worked hard for my English success

Plenty of credit has been given to the Leicester City scouting department for spotting Riyad Mahrez in France, but the midfielder says he’s worked hard to make himself a success in England.

The winger was bought by Nigel Pearson in January 2014 after impressing scout Steve Walsh during his time at Le Havre in France’s Ligue 2.

And while many thought his slim build and mazy dribbling meant he could not succeed in English football, he’s proved everybody wrong.

He was an integral part of the Foxes Premier League-winning side last season and picked up the PFA Player of the Year award ahead of team-mate Jamie Vardy.

“At the beginning, it wasn’t suited to my qualities to play here. The environment in England is not the same as France,” he said.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“But I just looked at it as a challenge. It was difficult and it was a challenge, but now it’s good.

“Barcelona and Real Madrid wingers, these are the big players at the big clubs and you have to watch them. They are at a top level.

“I’m not going to say they inspire me but I take things from them.

“I work on my recoveries, coming back into the defensive line and things like that. I had to work on that before but now I’m better at it.”