Riyad

Mahrez

Silky-skilled Algerian playmaker...

Riyad Mahrez swapped the Midlands for Manchester when he joined Manchester City in July 2018.

The 27-year-old signed a contract until 2023 after starring for the Leicester City that won the Premier League in 2016.

He did the same at City in his debut season, whilst adding Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield medals to his collection, and contributed 12 goals and 12 assists across the campaign.

French-born, Mahrez career began at Le Havre, where he made 67 appearances over a three-year period.

He signed for Leicester in 2013 and helped them win promotion to the Premier League by the end of his first season.

After finishing the 2014/15 season strongly to stave of relegation, Leicester won the title comfortably despite starting the season as 5000-1 outsiders.

And Mahrez was the star man.

He scored 17 times in the league and provided 10 assists to be named PFA Players’ Player of the Year and also won African Player of the Year and BBC African Player of the Year for his efforts.

He gained Champions League experience in the season that followed and ended his time with the Foxes after 179 games and 48 goals.

He made his City debut in the opening day win against Arsenal in August 2018 and scored his first goal in the 5-0 win over Cardiff City in September.

With the Premier League not decided until the final day, Mahrez scored the crucial third goal against Brighton – a fierce drive into the top corner – as City edged Liverpool into second place.

Mahrez was a pivotal figure again in his second season at the Club making 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and helping City retain the Carabao Cup.

Riyad’s third campaign for the Blues resulted in more silverware to add to his collection.

His 48 appearances and 14 goals yielded a second Premier League title and another Carabao Cup success.

Mahrez‘s goals were key to City’s path to the Champions League final, too.

At his best, Mahrez is both unplayable and a joy to watch.

And the Algerian shone throughout 2021/22, ending the campaign as top scorer with 24 goals from 47 games.

He was also a close second in the Etihad Player of the Season vote after a superb campaign.