How would Riyad Mahrez fit into Pep’s Manchester City XI
Manchester City romped their way to the title last season as every other team behind them was left far behind.
The Cityzens broke a number of records as they marched their way to the title. Guardiola’s men also ended the campaign with the highest point gap from second place, as well as beating Chelsea’s record of most wins a single season.
The manager should now be aiming to make a strong title defense next season, as a number of coaches will be looking to gain one over the former Bayern Munich manager.
If Pep wants to take the Cityzens to new heights next season, he’s certainly going to have to bring in new players. And that’s exactly what the club have done by signing Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez for a reported fee of around £60million.
The midfielder has often been linked with a move away from the club but nothing solid materialized earlier. The Algerian got his move this time around and here we take a look at how he could feature in Pep Guardiola’s setup.
Manchester City XI featuring Riyad Mahrez
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Ederson (GK)
Ederson will be itching to get back to the field after a good summer break. He is a top-class goalkeeper and should start between the sticks again.
Benjamin Mendy (LB)
The Frenchman was out for almost the whole season last year but showed true potential and threat down the left flank when given the chance. Fabian Delph was deployed as an unorthodox left-back in his place. Mendy should start this time around.
Vincent Kompany (CB)
There really is no better centre-back in the league when Kompany is fit and firing. The City captain’s campaign was once again blighted by injuries but he has so far been physically fit for the World Cup.
Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
Otamendi was a part of the PFA Team of the season after his brilliant performance for the club throughout the campaign. The Argentinian also scored a total of 4 goals last season.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The former Spurs man was also on the PFA team of the season and enjoyed a splendid campaign in his debut season with City. There’s no chance anyone will start above the speedster.
Fernandinho (CDM)
The Brazilian has been an integral member of this Manchester City squad for many years now. He should play an important role as City return to defend their title.
David Silva (CDM)
Nobody expected the Spanish maestro the show the kind of form and threat he displayed throughout the whole of last season. He should be an important part of this squad once again.
Leroy Sane (LAM)
Sane was the recipient of the PFA Young player of the year award after his extraordinary performance for the club last season. The German was stunningly snubbed from the national squad and will be looking to prove Joachim Low wrong once the season begins.
Kevin De Bruyne (CAM)
There really isn’t a better playmaker in the Premier League than Kevin De Bruyne, is there? The Belgian midfielder was at the heart of everything City produced last season. He will be aiming to replicate the same form once he returns from International duty.
Riyad Mahrez (RAM)
Mahrez prefers to play on the right-hand side of the midfield even though is a left-footed player. He loves to run at defenders and cut in before looking for the top corner. He may not have the speed of Raheem Sterling but there’s a lot more he brings to the team.
Sergio Aguero (ST)
The Argentinian is undoubtedly Manchester City’s best finisher in the squad. Jesus is not too far below either but there’s no way Aguero would be benched after his displays last season.