Riyad Mahrez prepared to shine for Man City after Sane injury

Riyad Mahrez has gone from a proven match-winner at Leicester to a distraught bench warmer at Manchester City.

When he swapped the Leicester blue for Manchester sky blue, he thought he’ll walk into the starting eleven based on his delightful exploits at Leicester.

Pep Guardiola had other plans. He was supposed to be a flawless fit in Guardiola’s system. Yet, whenever he touched the ball and tried linking up with the team, he looked uneasy and his influence was far less than expected.

More from Analysis

• Unlocking the Transfer Market Value of Evan Ferguson: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Unveiling the Strategy: How Marc Cucurella Fits in Manchester United’s Game Plan
• Are Manchester United title favourites with Hojlund signing?
• Premier League players who could win UEFA Nations League this year
• Promoted Team Preview: Vincent Kompany’s Burnley look to surprise

This was one of the core reasons the former Leicester man did not feature regularly last season. Although the Algerian didn’t have such a bad season as painted by the media, he contributed 12 goals and assisted further 12 in 44 games.

There was a never-ending debate on should Sane be replaced by Mahrez. Last season, Sane showed he was a force of nature and completely overshadowed Mahrez. However, that narrative could soon change.

One player’s misfortune is another player’s golden ticket

With Sane out after picking up a cruciate ligament injury for the majority of the season, Mahrez should play an extended role in the first team. He could get regular minutes if he is successful in impressing Guardiola.

The 28-year-old was bang on target for Algeria at the AFCON 2019. With his spirits uplifted, Guardiola gave the AFCON 2019 winner a nod ahead of Bernardo Silva in City’s first Premier fixture on Saturday. Like a hyena pounces on its prey, Mahrez pounced on the opportunity.

Mahrez was the show-stealer. He assisted two and was involved in the buildup of all the five goals. He seized every chance that came his way. The biggest improvement from last season is his confidence.

Algeria’s AFCON triumph has skyrocketed his confidence. He wasn’t afraid of taking on the defenders, he created ample chances and performed his defensive duties of tracking back the opponents.

The best thing about Mahrez on Saturday was his selflessness. He consistently gave the ball to players in better positions than him. If he had been the Mahrez of last season, he would have gone alone for glory. This is an indication of how well he has integrated himself. The Algerian ran the show and that too with elegance and style.

There’s a peculiar trend about every City player that has joined during the Guardiola era. The player either hits the ground running almost immediately like Ederson, Walker and Laporte or takes a year to bed in like Bernardo. Mahrez is following similar footsteps, that’s why this will be the breakout season for him.

City fans were left shocked after Sane’s injury, but Mahrez magic has put the worries to rest for a while. If Saturday’s game is anything to go by, Mahrez is ready to dazzle and deliver the blockbuster of the season.