Claude Puel urges Diabate to follow in the footsteps of Mahrez

Fousseni Diabate

Wednesday Feb 14, 2018. 18:00

Leicester City manager Claude Puel has challenged Malian Fousseni Diabate to follow in the footsteps of Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and become one of the Premier League’s best players.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Foxes in the January transfer window from Gazelec Ajaccio, has excelled since Mahrez went AWOL over his failed transfer to Manchester City.

The Malian scored twice on debut against Peterborough in the FA Cup last month, and Puel believes Diabate can become a key player for his team.

"I don't know what his best position is because he is versatile," said Puel.

"He can make the difference in any position. I think he must continue to work and progress, and find consistency.

"He must learn to feel when to run with the ball and take defenders on, and when to play simply.

"For the future, like Riyad, he has a good profile and attributes to become a player who can make the difference.

"He needs to have a clear view of when to find the space. It is important to have this profile on the team, like Riyad.

"When you are up against a strong defensive unit it is important to have players who can unlock defences."