Leicester City attacker Riyad Mahrez 'has what it takes' to represent Barcelona, according to the Spanish club's former skipper Xavi.
Mahrez has netted 16 goals and provided 10 assists in the Premier League this season, with his form helping the Foxes to the top of the table.
The 25-year-old's form has seen him linked with a move to Spain and Xavi, who left Barcelona for Al Sadd last summer, has backed the Algerian international to "play for any big club in Europe".
"He is a very good player. He suddenly came to my attention this season, I didn't know about him before, but this season he has blown up," Xavi told TheNewArab.
"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. Yeah, why not? He could play for Barcelona in the future. He is talented, but that is not in my hands these days."
Mahrez only managed seven goals in his first two seasons with Leicester, having joined from Le Havre in 2013.
Matt Law
