Micah Richards has been speaking about Manchester City – where he made a comment on Riyad Mahrez.
The 35-year-old was speaking on BBC Match of the Day 2.
So, what did Micah Richards say about Riyad Mahrez? Let’s take a look…
What Micah Richards said about Riyad Mahrez
Well, the man who made 246 appearances for Manchester City suggested that the Citizens are missing the Algeria international’s cutting edge.
Mahrez was sold to Al-Ahli in a deal worth £30m back in July.
It came after the 32-year-old scored 78 goals and provided 59 assists in 236 appearances for Manchester City, winning five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League and many more medals.
Speaking about Mahrez, Richards said: “People need to remember that Kevin De Bruyne has been out since the start of the season, and City lost Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez in the summer.
“The thing I loved about Mahrez was that even if he wasn’t playing well, he would always finish games off and get City over the line in vital moments… they are missing all three of them in midfield.”
The Algerian has scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 17 appearances for Al-Ahli so far.
Manchester City did not replace Riyad Mahrez
Some will argue that Mahrez was replaced on the wing by Jeremy Doku – although the Belgian is a vastly different player, one who is far less clinical in front of goal.
As Richards states, Mahrez had that killer instinct – he was someone who rarely allowed Manchester City to drop points to lesser sides, as he displayed ruthless finishing more often than not.
Manchester City have not replaced that efficiency.
In fact, the Citizens even sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea after Mahrez departed, a player who operates in similar fashion and could have stepped up – Richards was gutted about the England international’s exit.
Many fans enjoy seeing older players replaced with bright sparks such as Doku, but nobody can downplay the significance of losing an experienced figure, let alone two in one summer.
