Leicester have a talent who could save them millions this summer—Brendan Rodgers was a big admirer.

Leicester City faces a monumental challenge to avoid relegation, reminiscent of their miraculous escape in the 2014/15 season.

However, this time, survival would require them to achieve the unprecedented.

No team in Premier League history has managed to stay up after collecting just 17 points from their first 27 games.

This leaves Ruud van Nistelrooy with an almost insurmountable task in his first managerial role at the club.

His tenure has been disastrous, amassing only seven points from a possible 42, with Leicester losing 11 of their last 12 league matches.

In what has been a bleak period for the club, with little to celebrate, summer signing Bilal El Khannouss has emerged as a rare bright spot.

El Khannouss Shines Amid Leicester’s Struggles

Signed for £21 million from Genk, El Khannouss was one of nine players brought in during the summer transfer window.

While many of Steve Cooper’s signings have underwhelmed, the Moroccan playmaker has been a revelation.

His composure on the ball and relentless work ethic have endeared him to Leicester fans.

Former Leicester striker Jermaine Beckford has hailed him as “something special,” and at just 20, his immense potential suggests he could reach the highest levels of the game.

Michel Ribeiro, his former coach at Genk, recently tipped him to play for a club like Arsenal, and statistical data supports that claim.

According to FBref, El Khannouss ranks in the top 11% of attacking midfielders in Europe for progressive passes and the top 17% for passes attempted.

With Leicester’s relegation looming, the talented midfielder could be on the move this summer, potentially drawing significant interest from top European clubs.

Will Alves: A Ready-Made Successor?

Should Leicester opt to cash in on El Khannouss, they could secure a healthy profit on their initial £21 million investment.

However, fans may wonder who could fill his void in the squad.

Fortunately, Van Nistelrooy may not have to search far for a replacement. Will Alves, a highly-rated academy graduate, is ready to step up and make his mark in the first team.

Currently impressing on loan at Cardiff City, Alves shares many traits with El Khannouss.

He can operate as an attacking midfielder or a winger and has shown flashes of brilliance reminiscent of the Moroccan.

Former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was among the first to recognize Alves’ talent, handing him his FA Cup debut as a 16-year-old in 2022.

Speaking to Leicestershire Live, Rodgers praised the youngster’s enthusiasm and skill:

“He’s got that youthful spirit, that joy. He was bright. He’s waited all his life for that moment. He loves being at Leicester.

The supporters will be excited. But at this level, if you take too many touches, you lose the ball. I’ve loved having him over with the first team, he’s got big talent.”

Now 19, Alves has an exciting future ahead. If El Khannouss departs, Leicester may already have the perfect successor waiting in the wings.