Riyad Mahrez more potent than Paul Pogba, and will cost Arsenal much more than £40m

Riyad Mahrez finds himself in the very best of company. The only other opposition footballer who was given such a rousing reception at Celtic Park in recent memory was Andres Iniesta during a Champions League match when Barcelona visited Glasgow three years ago. And it is doubtful if he did more than Mahrez in just over an hour of bewitching play on Saturday.

One of football’s genuine entertainers, Mahrez made way for Christian Fuchs on 70 minutes after genuinely touching a pre-season friendly match with his waspish movement, lithe limbs made of titanium and a level of individual skill that makes him look incomplete without a ball at his feet, teasing and tormenting hypnotised full-backs with his scampering, menacing gait.

Like Iniesta being replaced by Alexis Sanchez after an hour or so back for Barca back in 2013, there remains no substitute for class.

Those who point out that such fare means little should note that there was nothing artificial about the manner in which the respective champions of England and Scotland threw blows at each other on Saturday in a 1-1 draw that was played out with a real intensity and purpose.

It was fitting that Mahrez should be the game’s outstanding performer on a day when he had apparently agreed to join Arsenal for £40m, a report that was quickly dismissed by his manager Claudio Ranieri.

The Algerian forward/winger/attacking midfield maverick, call him what you will, was the Premier League’s most rampant attacking threat with 17 goals in 36 Premier League games last season and 11 assists. He was ranked in the top 10 in the Premier League for assists, creating opportunities for companions and waltzing pass opponents.

On Saturday, he has simply picked up from where he left off last season amid Leicester's rise to become champions at 5,000-1.

Mahrez appears to telegraph what he is going to do before he does it. Yet still has the creative ability to carry out his intentions while defenders are left scratching their heads when they knew what was coming.

His cameo of running from deep and generally terrorizing Celtic’s defence was capped as he drifted in from the wing a minute after half-time, showed the Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre what he was going to do, but still had the skill and quickness of feet to translate desire into fulfilment by lifting a magical curling shot high into the corner of the net. At any level, it was goal to be applauded, which it was by all 32,000 in attendance.

Ranieiri does not see, or perhaps would rather not envisage, having to face such a player this season.

“It is good because you can continue to write, write, write. It is good for you but not for us. Did you see Riyad, how he is happy?," said Ranieri. "He played well and worked so hard for the team and scored a good goal. Then he stays with us. Of course.

“With another team there are many more stars and maybe he doesn't play at the same level. Maybe he go on the bench. It is much better he stay here with me and another year is important for him.

If Paul Pogba is valued at £100m, one would have to point out that Mahrez would not be far off such a figure with what he brings to a side. To Leicester City, he is simply priceless because no matter how much coin they trouser for Mahrez, they could not hire an adequate replacement.

Mahrez almost joined Scottish Championship side St Mirren a few ago, but opted out because he compared the Scottish winter to “abuse”. He joined Leicester from Le Havre for £400,000 two years ago, and the rest is history.

Who knows if Mahrez used his return to Scotland to show Leicester what they have, and what Arsenal what they are missing, but his hunger, intelligence and trickery were a joy to behold, and an example to aspiring youngsters on having the right attitude in every match.

In a glorified warm-up in the International Champions Cup, Leicester showed why they won the Premier League last season.

When Leicester claimed the match 6-5 on penalties, they celebrated like they had successfully regained their national title.

This is a squad that has set high standard for themselves, and Mahrez is an emblem of a voracious appetite to give of their lot to help out each other.

It is a refreshing attitude, but one wonders how Ranieri can stop the vultures from swooping when his side contains the PFA Premier League Player of the Year, and a forward who is genuinely world class.

Chelsea have already plucked the France midfielder N’Golo Kante for £30m, and the fear will consume Leicester fans that Mahrez will be next.

If Leicester can keep Mahrez happy and hungry, which he certainly seemed at the weekend, there is little reason to suggest they will not be challenging for at least a place in the top four.

If Arsenal or some other club can somehow smuggle Mahrez out of the King Power, it will surely come at a price greater than £40m.

For such a price, the buyers should be wearing ski masks.