Per Squawka, here is a comparison of the totals of tackles and interceptions in the last two seasons in league play between two attacking players we have been linked with (Barkley played over 100 minutes more than Mahrez in that timespan):
Riyad Mahrez: 63 tackles & 69 interceptions
Ross Barkley: 48 tackles & 30 interceptions.
If you want to criticize Mahrez work off the ball and his ability to adapt to a high pressing system, then you'd better be raising the alarm bells at the prospect of relying on Ross Barkley coming off a hamstring tear to be a difference maker that helps fuel a title challenge.
Riyad Mahrez: 63 tackles & 69 interceptions
Ross Barkley: 48 tackles & 30 interceptions.
If you want to criticize Mahrez work off the ball and his ability to adapt to a high pressing system, then you'd better be raising the alarm bells at the prospect of relying on Ross Barkley coming off a hamstring tear to be a difference maker that helps fuel a title challenge.