Leicester's Riyad Mahrez is a team player, says Claudio Ranieri

Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri has praised Riyad Mahrez for being a team player but stopped short of saying he is the best player in the Premier League at the moment.

The winger has scored four goals and made two assists as the Foxes have made an unbeaten start to their campaign.

Mahrez has picked up where he left off last season but his manager says that football is a team game and praised the Algerian for being a team player.

"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.

"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."

Ranieri stopped short of saying Mahrez is the best player in the division based on current form as he did not win the Premier League player of the month award for August, instead joking he is "the second best, maybe".

Leicester travel to face Stoke on Saturday but Ranieri insists he would not read too much into their start to the season, which has yet to see the Potters win a Premier League match.

Ranieri also said he has not altered his targets for this season and refused to set any new ones until they reach the 40-point mark.

He believes it is important for his team to take points now as he expects the bigger teams in the league to come strong as the season goes on.

"They [Stoke] haven't won yet but they're a very good team with good quality players and a good manager. Beware, because it's a difficult match on Saturday for us," Ranieri said.

"We must concentrate and keep our feet on the ground. A defeat is always just around the corner.

"I want the maximum, in every match. For us it's important to take points now when we play well."