Leicester City have completed the signing of Turkish winger Cengiz Ünder on a season-long loan. After making his name with AS Roma in the Serie A, the talented youngster joins Brendan Rodgers’ side in what could be one of the signings of the summer. He will look to become their new Riyad Mahrez, filling the void left after the Algerian’s departure.
With Leicester failing to qualify for the Champions League at the end of last season, extra creativity became a necessity in the squad. Ünder is exactly the type of player they need and could become as important to Rodgers as Mahrez was to Claudio Ranieri in his Premier League winning season.
Cengiz Ünder Will be Leicester City’s New Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez’s Importance
It is no secret that Riyad Mahrez was a key player in Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester side. The Algerian winger took part in 37 matches in the 2015/16 season, unexpectedly leading the team to the Premier League trophy. Playing mostly from the right, Mahrez scored 17 goals and added 10 assists to his tally that year. Only Jamie Vardy scored more in their iconic season.
When Mahrez was on the pitch that year, Leicester averaged 2.11 points per match. Along with Vardy and N’golo Kante, the winger was instrumental to Leicester, and his stats show it.
Since his departure to Manchester City, the club has been lacking his creativity down the right. While players like James Maddison and Ayoze Perez are talented creators, Mahrez was a player defenders feared greatly. By signing Cengiz Ünder, Brendan Rogers is trying to replace the winger’s success down the right.
Cengiz Ünder’s can Become the New Riyad Mahrez
For AS Roma, Cengiz Ünder took part in 18 matches in Serie A last season. Playing sporadically, the 23-year-old managed to score 3 goals in his time on the pitch. Looking deeper, he averaged 2.58 key passes per 90 and completed 3.30 of his 4.23 attempted dribbles every 90 minutes. From the wing, Ünder managed 4.02 crosses per 90 as his team finished fifth in the league.
While his stats are not up there with the world’s best, Ünder has very high potential and plenty of time to develop. Leicester have a great system for the right-winger, where he will be able to use his abilities alongside talented midfielders and provide for strong finishers in a side where ball retention is key.
Leicester City: On Their Way to Success
Despite failing to qualify for the Champions League last season, Leicester have progressed greatly. Fifth place is a strong finish, and the squad has developed an identity. The team will benefit from European experience in the Europa League as they will look to improve on last season. They will certainly be a team to look-out for this year.
Ünder’s addition to the squad will also add the necessary quality. The player should adapt quickly, with international teammate Caglar Soyüncu able to introduce him to the squad. At 23-years-old, he could be a long term option if the club signs him permanently after his season-long loan. With Vardy ad 33 years old, the need for new attacking talent is imminent.
Leicester City have started the season strongly, with two wins in two matches in the league. They now look to prepare to take on Arsenal in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, September 23, with a few difficult matches coming up.
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