On Friday, Riyad Mahrez committed his long-term future to Manchester City, but the Algerian’s role at the club may have amplified with that new contract.
Signing for a then-club record £60million back in 2018, Mahrez arrived at City with real pedigree and was expected to take another significant step-up in his career at the Etihad Stadium. He was a catalyst for Leicester City’s heroic Premier League title victory in 2016, but it always felt like the winger could reach a new level.
Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, he has became a crucial player on the biggest occasions for City - particularly in Europe. In 2021, his three goals over two legs against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final were crucial in ensuring City reached a club-first Champions League final.
