‘Mahrez has a special quality’ – Guardiola in awe of Manchester City star’s display

Shina Oludare

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‘Mahrez has a special quality’ – Guardiola in awe of Manchester City star’s display image

Riyad Mahrez has “a special quality” according to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who claims his recent games have been ‘outstanding’.

Mahrez has been a revelation since his £60m move to Etihad Stadium from Leicester City on July 10, 2018 – a move which made him the most expensive African footballer at that time.

The 30-year-old has contributed 24 goals in 81 Premier League games, picking up one top-flight title, one FA Cup and two Carabao Cups along the way.

He has shown no signs of weakening in the 2020-21 campaign, with his latest standout display coming in the Citizens’ 4-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Algeria international’s strike – slotting coolly home into the bottom left corner of Rui Patricio’s goalpost – a Gabriel Jesus brace and an own goal from Leander Dendoncker wrapped up a comfortable victory over Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.

Aside from his goal, Mahrez was the architect for City, to the delight of his Spanish boss who waxed lyrical about his performance in the five-goal thriller.

“The last games were outstanding. He played really well. He has a special quality,” Guardiola told the Manchester City website.

“He is a guy who dances on the pitch. He doesn’t lose balls on the pitch. He makes the extra pass. He attracts opponents on the pitch and after he makes a pass in behind.

“He makes fantastic crosses. We knew it.

“At Leicester, he was outstanding with Jamie Vardy. That’s why we pushed for him. We hope he can continue.”

Thanks to his strike, the 2016 African Player of the Year has now been directly involved in 30 goals in 38 starts in all competitions at the Etihad Stadium since joining from the King Power Stadium (15 goals and 15 assists).

Mahrez is expected to lead City’s attacking setup when they face Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.

As it stands, Manchester City are 15 points clear at the summit of the Premier League ahead of the Red Devils who try Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace for size on Wednesday evening at Selhurst Park.

Shina Oludare