By Gareth James

Omer Riza believes new loan signing Will Alves can fill a missing piece in his team’s armoury.

The Bluebirds completed a busy transfer window by securing the loan signing of Leicester City forward Alves until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old, who has been on Leicester’s books since joining as an under-nine, has been given the opportunity to gain valuable first-team experience in the Championship.

But his familiarity with Cardiff manager Riza stems from their time together in England’s youth ranks, where Riza coached him for three years.

“Will is very powerful,” insisted Riza.

“He’s quick and has a great attitude. He’s a hungry player, has an aggression to want to run at players and get beyond the opposition.

“We’ve needed that a little bit and I’m glad he can now add that to our team.”

Will Alves has made a loan move to Cardiff City for the remainder of the season

— Leicester City (@LCFC) February 3, 2025

The Foxes, who remain confident in his potential, offered him a four-year contract last summer but are keen for him to develop further through regular game time.

Alves made his senior debut for Leicester at just 16 in 2022, but his development was briefly hindered by a serious knee injury later that year.

Despite the setback, he returned strongly, making five senior appearances this season, including a Premier League debut off the bench against Manchester City.

He also featured in Carabao Cup matches against Tranmere Rovers and Manchester United, coming on for brief stints.

Following his move, Alves said: “I’m buzzing and really excited.

“It’s a big club to come to and I’m excited for the challenge ahead.

“I’m a creative player and I like to cause the opposition problems. This is an important experience for me. I want to kick on now.”

He’s here! ✅

Welcome, Will! #CityAsOne pic.twitter.com/YWcLbFccaJ

— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) February 3, 2025

Foxes manager Ruud van Nistelrooy believes this loan spell will be beneficial for Alves’ progression.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leicester, he commented: “It’s very good for Will that he goes to play minutes in the Championship for Cardiff.

“We’ll keep an eye on him over the coming months to get him back to Leicester over the summer.”

Alves was Cardiff’s third signing of the winter transfer window, following the acquisition of striker Yousef Salech from Swedish club Sirius in a permanent deal and midfielder Sivert Mannsverk on loan from Ajax.