Pep Guardiola has managed to break the 100-point barrier in the Premier League but he does not seem convinced with the squad at his disposal and is set to spend big yet again. While Napoli’s Jorginho is right up their wish list, Pep Guardiola is desperate to land Riyad Mahrez this summer.
City Confident Of Signing Mahrez:
The English Champions failed with a couple of bids in January as Leicester City were keen to hold on to their prized possession but reports from The Sun now claim that City’s hierarchy is confident of striking a deal before the start of the next season.
Also wanted by Arsenal, the Algerian international will cost around £65m and is reportedly set to be Manchester City’s first signing. But is he worth all the fuss?
Mahrez And His Numbers:
Having joined Leicester City from Le Havre, a French club, back in 2013, Mahrez was a part of the squad that was promoted to the Premier League in his first season. In just his second season in the top flight, he banged 17 goals and also picked up 11 assists, helping The Foxes to a historic league title. He was also named the PFA Player of the Year for the season and has been Leicester City’s main man ever since.
He has formed an excellent understanding with English striker Jamie Vardy and has yet against produced decent numbers this season, bagging 12 goals and 11 assists, taking Leicester City to a finish in the top half of the table.
His only UCL campaign also produced six goals and two assists while his 34 appearances for the Algerian national side have produced eight goals, making him an established star at the highest level.
Where Will He Fit In At Etihad?
A confident dribbler with great close control and an even better eye for a pass, Mahrez is clinical in front of goal and is a genuine match winner on his night. He loves to play on the right wing and is adept at cutting into the middle, creating space for his teammates. His technical ability, vision and confidence to execute a pass make him a dangerous player to defend against.
Guardiola has used a 4-3-3 system for most of the campaign that won him the league title. David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne have been impeccable in the middle of the park in attacking roles while Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane have both been consistent playing on the wings.
Mahrez can play as a part of this midfield on the right flank or as a right-winger, but his addition to the squad can also see Pep turn to a 4-2-2-2 system, adding more attacking quality to the side. At the moment, Mahrez might not walk into the first team at Etihad but at just 27, he has enough time to prove himself and can turn into a crucial player for The Citizens.
Only time will tell if he can settle into Guardiola’s system well but do you think he is worth his price tag of £65m, with just two years left on his current deal with Leicester City?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
