Manchester City’s wing troubles highlight Algerian international Riyad Mahrez’s lasting impact

Manchester City’s inability to retain their Premier League title this season has drawn attention to a glaring issue on the flanks, with statistics revealing just how much the club has missed Riyad Mahrez’s influence.

Now third in the table and just two points clear of fifth place with one match remaining, City are enduring their most underwhelming campaign since Pep Guardiola took the reins.

Their drop in form has coincided with a noticeable dip in productivity from the wingers, an area once dominated by the consistency of Mahrez.

The Algerian international departed for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League after the 2022–23 season, and his absence has been felt.

Guardiola’s attempt to fill the void saw Savinho, the young Brazilian talent, given a chance to make the right flank his own.

While technically gifted and similar to Mahrez in his style of play, Savinho has yet to replicate the same end product.

Across 44 appearances this season, Savinho managed just 2 goals and 8 assists—modest figures compared to the decisive contributions Mahrez consistently made during his time at the Etihad.

But the issue stretches beyond a single player. City’s current crop of wingers—Savinho, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, and Bernardo Silva—have collectively managed 36 goals over the past two seasons.

In contrast, Mahrez scored 39 goals on his own in his final two campaigns with the club.

“Mahrez was scoring and providing assists. His ability to make an impact in matches was evident,” the report notes. Despite his output, the Algerian was often rotated or benched, with Guardiola demanding more from a player who regularly delivered in key moments.

This statistical disparity has not gone unnoticed by the club’s hierarchy.

There is growing speculation that Manchester City could pursue a short-term reunion with Mahrez, potentially bringing him back on a one-month loan ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Discussions are said to be ongoing, aimed at temporarily addressing the team’s attacking deficiencies.

Should the deal go through, it would be a rare mid-season twist in Guardiola’s typically forward-planning regime—but one that underscores the lasting impact of a player who, despite leaving, continues to set the standard his successors have struggled to meet.