Riyad Mahrez is an even better player now than he was two years ago when he was PFA player of the year, believes Leicester City boss Claude Puel.

The Algeria international scored his eighth goal of the season to complete City’s victory over Watford at the King Power Stadium and afterwards Puel described him as a complete player.

Speculation continues that Mahrez could be targeted by another club before the January transfer window shuts, but Puel remains confident he can keep one of his star men.

“He was a different player then (two years ago),” said Puel.

“It was direct play, it was long ball, and after with Jamie Vardy and Riyad they made the difference.

“I think the evolution perhaps for him is more consistency on the game because he can play, he can make some penetration, also he can organise the play, with one touch, two touches. He can give assists.

“I think he is more complete. Better I don’t know. Now he is an experienced player, he has good maturity.

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“He knows when to make penetration and when to play simple, for him and for the team.

“We see this on the pitch, he is enjoying his football. It is fantastic. It is not a problem for him. It is important he continues his work. After it is speculation. We know the transfer window, it is normal.”

The victory moved City into seventh in the Premier League table but Puel said his side will not be targeting European qualification.

City take a break from league action next week at Peterborough in the FA Cup before returning with a midweek trip to Everton, and Puel said his players mustn’t lose their focus.

“No, I think our mission is to just continue to work hard and to improve,” he said

“The Premier League is so difficult. The next game we play away at Everton and it is a good team. It will be tough there.

“We cannot look forward. It is important to stay focused and concentrate on our play.

“The next game in the cup (at Peterborough) will be a difficult game in a difficult atmosphere in a little stadium, bumpy pitch. It will be tough for any team.

“We have to keep this concentration on the pitch and work hard in training.

“The position in the table at the moment is not important. It is about where we finish at the end of the season.

“We have to play a lot of games, difficult games every time and we will see in the future."