Ndiaye pays tribute to Manchester City great Mahrez ahead of Etihad debut

Iliman Ndiaye has described Riyad Mahrez as his favourite player to have represented Manchester City, offering a glowing tribute to the former Algeria international before making his first appearance for the club.

The Senegal forward joined Manchester City from Everton in the closing stages of the summer transfer window for a reported fee of 70 million euros. He faced the media ahead of his first league match for the club, against promoted Coventry City on Saturday, a game Manchester City won 1-0.

Ndiaye, 26, has won 43 caps for Senegal and scored five international goals. During a question-and-answer session, he selected Mahrez as the player he most admired among those who have played for the Cityzens.

His answer was widely praised by Algerian media and is unlikely to have gone unnoticed by Mahrez, who is now retired from international football after making 119 appearances for Algeria and scoring 40 goals.

Mahrez spent five years with Manchester City between 2018 and 2023, making 236 appearances. During that period, the stylish left-footed winger scored 78 goals and provided 59 assists.

His time at the club formed part of the most successful era in Manchester City’s history, with the club collecting around 10 major honours across four years. Mahrez won four English league titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups and one Community Shield with the Sky Blues.

The highlight of his spell came in 2023, when Manchester City lifted the UEFA Champions League for the first time in the club’s history. Mahrez is currently without a club and is considering the best offers available as he looks for his next move.

Ndiaye’s own Manchester City debut produced mixed emotions. Selected in a left-midfield role, despite being a right winger, he created a key chance before being forced off with an injury in the 87th minute.

The match was Ndiaye’s fourth appearance of the season in all competitions. His three previous outings had come for Everton before his late transfer to Manchester City.

The Senegal international’s first showing therefore contained both an encouraging contribution and an injury concern. His decisive pass helped his new side claim victory, but his late withdrawal tempered what would otherwise have been a more straightforward start to life at the Etihad Stadium.

Mahrez’s influence remains a significant part of Manchester City’s recent history. His performances during the club’s trophy-laden period established him as one of the defining attacking players of the Pep Guardiola era, while Ndiaye now begins his own chapter after arriving from Everton for a substantial transfer fee.