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Why Signing This Premier League Winner Could Be Unwise To Replace Coutinho At Liverpool

Why Riyad Mahrez Is Not The Man To Replace Coutinho At Liverpool

Liverpool fans have not had a summer transfer window to remember as they have failed to land their top transfer targets this summer and are on the verge of losing their most important player. The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita have eluded the grasps of the English club and as if that was not enough, star playmaker Philippe Coutinho decided to hand in a transfer request, amidst interest from Barcelona.

The Spanish giants want Coutinho as a replacement for Neymar Jr, who joined PSG in a world record deal. Liverpool are determined to keep hold of him beyond this transfer window but are looking at possible options to replace him, if they were to succumb to the Spanish giants.

The likes of Lorenzo Insigne, Gelson Martins and Max Meyer have all been linked with a move to the club recently but one player extensively linked with a move to the club recently is Leicester City star Riyad Mahrez.

The Algerian international was named the ‘PFA player of the year’ in the 2015-16 season when Leicester City scripted a fairy tale. But he failed to live up to the expectations last season, failing to help his side to a strong finish in the league.

Italian side AS Roma, English clubs Arsenal and Tottenham are all interested in his signature but is Mahrez an option for Liverpool to replace Coutinho with? What will the winger add to the squad at Anfield?

Born and brought up in France, the AAS Sarcelles Academy product moved to the King Power in 2014 and just a year later, helped them to the league title. Known for his dribbling and amazing vision, Mahrez is a playmaker who loves to take on his man and create chances for his side.

He can pick out pin point crosses but is more comfortable in passing through the opposition defence and is a huge threat during counter attacks. When in full flow, he is almost impossible to stop and having already lifted the Premier League title, he is a decent option for Liverpool.

However, the Reds need a player who can walk into the first team next season and Mahrez cannot play for Liverpool ahead of either Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane this season.

The Leicester City star is a decent player who can walk into most squads in England but losing a player like Coutinho will need Liverpool to scout for more established stars and Mahrez just does not make the cut. If they spend on the 26-year old, Liverpool will also have to spend on another player to replace Coutinho completely.

Not a wise move in my opinion.