Xavi: Riyad Mahrez good enough for Barcelona

Riyad Mahrez has was it takes to succeed at the Camp Nou, according to Barcelona legend Xavi.

After revealing that he, like many others around the football world, had not heard of Mahrez prior to his breakout season with Leicester City, Xavi is convinced the Algerian is good enough to play for Barca, and other elite European clubs.

"He is a very good player," Xavi, who now plays in Qatar with Al Sadd, told Al Araby Al Jadeed, as per Sky Sports' translation. "He suddenly came to my attention this season, I didn't know about him before, but this season he has blown up.

"He has made a name for himself among the top names in the English league and played exceptionally well. Thanks to what he has done for his club, he can now play for any big club in Europe.

Asked if he could play for Barca, Xavi responded, "Yeah, why not? He could play for Barcelona in the future."

Mahrez has been regularly featured in the rumour mill since storming onto the scene with the Premier League leaders. His 16 goals and 11 assists has attracted the attention of several clubs, including Leicester's league rivals Arsenal.

Although Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri doesn't believe Mahrez has to leave to improve as a football player, the Italian gaffer is well aware of the attraction for players to sign with one of Europe's powerhouse clubs.