Riyad Mahrez vs £20m Burnley star – Stats show that Leicester must target someone better

Riyad Mahrez vs Johann Berg Gudmundsson – Is the Burnley man powerful enough to replace Mahrez?

As per Leicester Mercury, Leicester City are interested in £20m a move for Burnley winger Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who has been one of Burnley’s standout performers this season. The Iceland international has played a pivotal role in helping the club break into the top-ten and maintain their spot even as other clubs kept rising and falling throughout the campaign. Although Sean Dyche is unlikely to let him leave, I assume the Foxes could tempt him with the right price.

As far as Claude Puel’s men are concerned, they could be without star performer Riyad Mahrez beyond the end of this season. Ever since Leicester won the league title, there has been speculation suggesting an exit and although no deal has worked out until now, the Algerian attacker might leave once the summer window rolls about. Hence, it is understood that the Foxes want Gudmundsson as a replacement for Mahrez but how do the two players compare to each other?

Let’s take a look at their stats.

Riyad Mahrez vs Johann Berg Gudmundsson

In 32 appearances across competitions for Leicester City this season, Mahrez has scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists. He averages 2.2 shots per game and has a pass success rate of 78.8%. He makes an average of 1.5 key passes and 2.1 dribbles per match, meaning he is quite accurate and quick on the field. Mahrez‘s shot accuracy stands at 64% and he has created 42 chances in 28 Premier League appearances this term.

As far as Gudmundsson is concerned, he has appeared 32 times in all competitions for Burnley, during the course of which he has managed to score 2 goals and provide 6 assists. He averages 1.6 shots per game while having a pass success rate of 73.2%. In addition to that, the player makes an average of 1.7 key passes and 1 dribble per game. Last but not least, Gudmundsson has created a total of 49 chances in 29 Premier League appearances this campaign.

Verdict

As one can see, Mahrez has definitely scored more goals than Gudmundsson and has also outperformed him in a few other aspects as well. However, given the Burnley man’s talent, it is no doubt that he will prove to be a good addition. But will he be as good as Mahrez? Most likely not.

Hence, it might be better for the Foxes to look elsewhere and find a player, who is perhaps even better than Mahrez since they will need a lot of power next season.