Riyad Mahrez named 2016 BBC African Player of the Year

Riyad Mahrez has tonight put smiles on the faces of Algerians as he is named the 2016 BBC African Footballer of the Year by fans from across the world.

He beat Liverpool’s Saido Mane to the award after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Yaya Toure and Andre Ayew had been eliminated.
Riyad Mahrez said after receiving the award: "It means a lot, obviously I’m African, it’s big for an African player and I’m very pleased to win it.
"It’s always good to receive an award and as an African player it’s a huge honor."
On why he won: "Maybe because I won the league and we had a very good season.
"I think Algerians are proud of me, I’m from Africa and they are very proud of me and I want to thank them and all my family.
"All the fans, thank you very much, I’m very pleased to receive this."

A delighted Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri said: "It is fantastic, he had a fantastic season and I’m sure he’ll want to continue and have another fantastic season.

"I want him to continue, he’s a fantastic player for us and the team and he’s improving everyday. I speak about his sacrifice for the team as we have to work together."

Algeria Players Super Eagles Must Be Wary Of

As Nigeria Super Eagles set to meet Algeria this weekend in an important world cup qualifier, these are the Algerians players we need to take note of:

1. Yacine Brahimi [ FC Porto ]

Yacine who plays for Portuguese side FC Porto, is one gifted play maker that cannot be disregarded. 

The Algerian star has bagged 21 goals in 85 appearances for his club since he joined them from Odion Ighalo's former club, Granada. 

Brahimi plays as a support striker for Algeria, He is arguably even more effective when drifting inside, his tight control, intelligent combination play and clinical finishing making him a nightmare for opposition defences. 

2. Riyad Mahrez [ Leicester City ]

Ahmed Musa's team mate at Leicester City, Riyad Mahrez is undoubtedly a star player at club and country levels.  He may pose as one of the biggest threats to the Nigeria Super Eagles Riyad if he gets the leeway to.

The CAF African Player of the Year nominee scored a total of 23 goals in 54 appearances for Leicester City last season and has scored four times this term.

3. Islam Slimani [ Leicester City ]

Slimani is nicknamed “the dragon-slayer”  is known for his goal-scoring record against Yacine's Porto, Slimani can cause the Super Eagles defence all sorts of problems using his height and strength to his advantage and if he gets the right supply from trio Yacine Brahimi, Rachid Ghezzal and Mahrez, the 'fox' will be too dangerous to stop.

4. Nabil Bentaleb [ Tottenham Hotspur ]

Bentaleb is a well-rounded midfielder (CM) who can play in the hole behind the striker or at left wing, although was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham Hotspur. The 23-year-old star has been impressive for Schalke 04 on loan playing as a holding midfielder.

5. Rachid Ghezzal [ Lyon ]

Ghezzal is a left-foot play-maker. He plays his trade in France with Lyon. Ghezzal has made eight assists for Lyon this term. He has formed a fine partnership with strike-partner Islam Slimani in the Algerian team.
Ghezzal has made 11 appearances so far this campaign, netting once against Saint Etienne in Ligue 1.

He is one Algerian player to be on the look-out for.