Magic Mahrez looks back to his old self
PEP GUARDIOLA has said Manchester City will be even better this season. I think that’s a bit optimistic considering they’ve reached 100 points and 98 points in the past two years, but in Riyad Mahrez they do have one individual who is going to make huge progress. I thought Mahrez was a key factor behind Leicester’s titlewinning season because he always had an end product. He was a bit in-and-out for City last season but yesterday we saw the real Mahrez, involved in nearly every goal and winning the penalty for Sergio Aguero. He’s off the back of winning the African Cup of Nations and you get the feeling with Leroy Sane’s injury that Mahrez will really feel this is his time at the Etihad.
What I liked yesterday was that he played with confidence rather than choosing the safe option. He looked to me as though he’s got his swagger back.
Elsewhere, Joao Cancelo will give competition to Kyle Walker and Rodri will be able to play the Fernandinho role, as the Brazilian can’t play every game.
Up front, Pep Guardiola will still regard Aguero as his main man but the Argentine will have to put in the same amount of effort as he did last season to keep his place because Gabriel Jesus is a bona fide option.
I admire Jesus’s tenacity, he is everywhere, and must be a nightmare to play against. Aguero will have to be on his toes.
It’s great to see Jack Wilshere back after the injury problems he’s had. Unfortunately, Manchester City were probably among the hardest opponents he could have faced in the middle of the park, with David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne pinging the ball about, and it’s fair to say it was a tough comeback.
Manuel Pellegrini likes Wilshere and I’m sure he’s going to give him every chance but the Premier League is an unforgiving place and I am hoping Jack physically progresses in the next three or four games so he can have a longer run in the team.
Jack will improve with matches and having someone like Mark Noble, currently injured, would give him the help he needs. He struggled a bit yesterday but he should look at it as the first step, and I hope he makes bigger strides in the coming weeks.