Mahrez to Manchester City makes sense in short and long term
With reports mounting that Manchester City are ready to table a huge offer to secure the services of Riyad Mahrez, we asses whether the Algerian would be a good short term replacement for Leroy Sane, and whether it all makes sense in the long term.
While some are suggesting the champions elect have panicked into a move following the news that their young German could be out for a matter of months rather than weeks, as far as cover for Sane’s loss is concerned, the Leicester man would make an astute signing. He's a player the club have monitored for some time too, it should be said.
Of Premier League wingers this season, it’s hard to find two whose statistics stack up quite like those of Mahrez to the crocked City star after all.
While he has played more minutes in the Premier League this season, it’s the Foxes flyer that just comes out on top for goals (8 to 7), while the tables turn for assists, with Sane’s tally of 10 three clear of the reported Citizens target.
Mahrez is just ahead in shots per game (2 to 1.7), but again it’s the 22-year-old City man that has completed more key passes (1.7 to 1.5) and dribbles (2.5 to 2.2) on average. Meanwhile the Algeria international is fouled more often but concedes possession due to an unsuccessful touch more frequently.
All in all it’s Sane that has earned the superior WhoScored.com rating this season (7.51) but Mahrez (7.28) has certainly shown the sort of form, at times, that helped Leicester to the title in 2015/16.
With that in mind, and so little between the two in terms of numbers this season, while a reported bid of £60m is substantial, the former PFA Player of the Year does deserve a shot at a top club having proven his worth in last season’s Champions League to boot.
Where he fits into Pep Guardiola’s plans once Sane is back available is the main talking point, but with City now very much a side looking to go deep into every competition they are involved in, squad depth will be important.
Moreover, while the likes of Sane and Sterling have excelled this season, the rest of City’s attacking stars, such as Kevin De Bruyne, David and Bernardo Silva, are all better suited to roles pulling the strings infield.
The German’s injury, then, has exposed an area of the squad where the league leaders are perhaps a little light. While the price touted may seem high for a player that would likely be used in rotation, the signing of Mahrez would merely strengthen Manchester City’s stranglehold over the Premier League right now, offering Guardiola valuable options to ensure the likes of Sane aren’t necessarily needed for games akin to that at Cardiff where the youngster sustained his injury.
