Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has suggested that Riyad Mahrez is a team player who sacrifices his own attacking game to help the side's defenders.

The 24-year-old - who joined the Foxes in January 2014 - has stolen the headlines this season after scoring four goals in five matches, but his manager believes that his defensive work-rate is just as important for his teammates.

"Riyad is playing well, everything he touches is gold but behind him there are so many players who are working hard, trying to do their best for the team," Ranieri said at a press conference.

"It is important for us and for Riyad because he is a team player. He has good quality but suffers also when he comes back to help his full-back.

"That is important for the team and it is important for me."

Mahrez has scored 11 goals in 56 appearances for the club.