Manchester City are taking a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid back to the Etihad Stadium next week, and Kenny Cunningham has suggest Riyad Mahrez should start the return leg.
City are in a good position after their Champions League semi-final first leg.
Coming away from the Bernabeu with a draw is never a bad result, especially when you go behind in the game.
Vinicius Jr’s rocket in the first-half initially stunned City, who had been on top.
But Kevin De Bruyne came in clutch once again, scoring a stunning goal of his own.
Guardiola will be relatively pleased with the result. He certainly seemed to appreciate his side’s efforts on the night as he didn’t make a single substitution.
City legend Sergio Aguero questioned this, suggesting Julian Alvarez should have been introduced.
It will be fascinating to see what Guardiola does in terms of his team selection next week. It’s very possible he will field the same starting XI he did at the Bernabeu.
But Cunningham believes Mahrez, 32, should be considered.
He has suggested the Algerian has gotten much better defensively in recent times.
He said on the Off The Ball podcast: “Mahrez, for me, as an attacking threat, is better placed at playing right of a three.
“All season I’ve felt, at their strongest for me, it’s Haaland, Grealish and Mahrez.
“I think he’s actually improved (defensively), Mahrez. There was a time you had to carry him, almost, out of possession. I don’t think that’s the case now. Is he the greatest defender? No, he’s not, but he’ll track a runner.”
Riyad Mahrez has a chance to start against Real Madrid next week
Cunningham is right – Mahrez has definitely really improved the defensive side of his game in recent times.
The £160,0000-a-week winger is potentially in with a chance to start next week. And how many minutes he gets against Everton this weekend will probably be a good indicator as to whether he actually will.
Bernardo Silva was decent in the first leg. But his lack of straight line speed was exposed for the goal by Eduardo Camavinga.
Mahrez is not lightening quick. But he’s definitely faster than Silva so him starting of the right could be something Pep considers. Camavinga and Vinicius on the left is arguably their most dangerous area.
