Claudio Ranieri tells Riyad Mahrez to look forward and target new achievements

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has told Riyad Mahrez he must forget his glittering 2016 if he wants to be one of the world's best players.

The winger has been dropped by Ranieri this season with the Italian questioning whether he has rested on his laurels.

Mahrez finished seventh in the Ballon d'Or this year, having won the PFA Player of the Year last season.

It came after his 17 goals helped Leicester lift a shock Premier League title but he has scored just once from open play this season after signing a new four-year deal in the summer.

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He is likely to be recalled for Saturday's visit of West Ham after starting Boxing Day's 2-0 defeat to Everton on the bench but Ranieri feels Mahrez needs to move on in 2017.

Claudio Ranieri and Riyad Mahrez celebrate a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.

Image credit: Reuters

"I think for the first time Riyad won everything but also I think Riyad is an intelligent player," he said.

"Also Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi won the golden ball (Ballon d'Or) and they want to win again and win again. What they did they forgot and they look forward.

"I think also Riyad he won the African Player of the Year, a lot of things, but if now he is satisfied it is not right for him.

"Now he has to improve, increase, now he has other responsibilities. It is important he wants to win a new Ballon d'Or for Africa like the big players there before.

"The fantasy players need sometimes some more rest to recharge the batteries."

Mahrez has seven goals in 24 games for the Foxes this season, six coming from the penalty spot, as they struggle in the league.

They are three points above the relegation zone after just one win in the last nine top flight games and Ranieri knows Mahrez remains key to the champions.

"I need more from all the important players and for us Riyad is one of the most important players," he added.

"For this reason when Riyad is switched on everything is fantastic."

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