The Premier League season is two games old and every week we’ll be keeping tabs on at three Arab football stars on show in English football’s top tier.
Riyad Mahrez was the standout as he let his feet do the talking despite persistent rumours surrounding his Leicester future.
Indeed, the Algeria international is the shining example for players seeking a move away from their current club as he laid on two assists in the Foxes win over Brighton.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah was surprisingly left on the bench for Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace but proved vital with his 30-minute role.
Ahmed Hegazi, meanwhile, followed up an impressive West Brom debut with another solid performance as they kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win at Burnley.
Below is an analysis of the three stars in action.
Riyad Mahrez wants to leave Leicester and Roma are looming. Instead of throwing his toys out of the pram to push through a move as the two clubs continue negotiations, Mahrez has been exemplary and his price tag will have only gone north after his performance against Brighton.
He was buzzing around the King Power Stadium, the centre of attention and the centre of Leicester’s attack.
Both goals came through him, the first with Shinji Okazaki pouncing after his low shot was saved and the second from a whipped in corner for Harry Maguire to head home.
Leicester value Mahrez at £50million and on this showing he could be worth every penny.
Minutes – 90
Shots – 4 (1)
Assists – 2 (1)
Key Passes – 2 (1)
Passing Accuracy – 87.8% (1)
Touches – 69 (T2)
Passes – 41 (5)
Dribbles – 2 (T1)
Riyad Mahrez
Jurgen Klopp made five changes from the side which drew 3-3 with Watford and Salah was one who dropped to the bench after the midweek Champions League qualifier against Hoffenheim.
He appeared for the last 30 minutes as the Reds chased a winner and was excellent, injecting some much needed impetus.
A clever run should have led to the opener through Georginio Wijnaldum and he almost scored himself as Wayne Hennessey did well turn away a stunning effort.
A cameo of poise and pace and no doubt he’ll back in the starting XI for the visit of Arsenal.
Minutes – 30
Shots – 2 (T3)
Assists – 0
Crosses – 0
Passing Accuracy – 75% (13)
Touches – 20 (12)
Passes – 12 (12)
Dribbles – 1 (T3)
Mohamed Salah
No goal this week but the Egypt international was outstanding as he earned man-of-the-match plaudits in West Brom’s win at Burnley.
Of course, it’s still early in his Premier League career but in his first two outings, Hegazi has been a machine and against Burnley the man mountain completely smothered Sam Vokes, making a match-high total for both clearances (11) and aerial duels won (6).
He was cut just above his eye, too, but continued regardless as the 26-year-old is making the transition to English football seamless.
Minutes – 90
Shots – 0
Aerials Won – 6 (1)
Key Passes – 0
Passing Accuracy – 54.6% (9)
Touches – 26 (9)
Clearances – 11 (1)
Interceptions – 1 (T2)
Ahmed Hegazy competes for the ball
