In a recent television segment with Amazon Prime (subscription required), former Liverpool striker Michael Owen was full of praise for Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez after he scored a world-class goal in the second half to help his team earn a 3-1 win against Everton in midweek. Owen said (transcripted by The Boot Room),
“I don’t how you defend this.
“You can’t really pick his (Mahrez) run up, it is virtually impossible to defend against. The finish is inch-perfect, absolutely perfect. On his left foot, 18 yards out, you don’t expect anything else.”
Mahrez’s Impressive Form At The Etihad Stadium This Season
Mahrez has experienced an up and down season with Man City after struggling to earn regular first-team starts under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola in recent months. However, the Algerian wing wizard has still managed to impress as he has banged in seven goals and provided three assists in 30 matches for the Mancunian outfit this term across all fronts.
The 29-year-old has been consistent with his offensive contributions because he is averaging 1.8 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League group stages. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball in the opposition half as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 85.7% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Are The Algeria International’s Best Attributes?
Mahrez boasts decent pace under his belt and is an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet as he possesses the skill set to dance and wiggle his way out of tight spaces in the opposition half. He has proven himself to be a lethal finisher, especially when he strikes the ball with his left foot. Plus, the 61-time Algeria international can make plays for others around himself and has got the winning mindset to be successful every year.
Can Mahrez Keep His Good Form Going?
Mahrez has established himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers and can score or create goals consistently when he is getting regular starts on the field. If Guardiola decides to play him more often in the coming months, there is no doubt that Mahrez is good enough to keep his impressive form going in the remainder of this campaign.
With Man City still in with a chance to win four trophies this season, Man City will have to rely on a player of Mahrez’s experience and quality to deliver big performances when the spotlight is on him. At 29, he still has a few good years left in him, so Guardiola will be hoping that the Algerian sensation can help the club end their long wait for the UEFA Champions League trophy before his career at the Etihad comes to a conclusion.
