Having registered just four goals in 17 appearances for Manchester City so far this season, Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez has not made the start to the season that he, or Pep Guardiola, will have been hoping for. Having enjoyed a productive individual campaign last term, the 31-year-old was expected to kick on and continue to get even better.
The summer arrival of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland was always going to lead to a decrease in goals for some of the Blues' wide players, but Phil Foden, for example, has demonstrated that there are still opportunities to get on the scoresheet on a consistent basis. The England international, who scored eight goals before the break in the domestic campaign, has made the left flank his own, but there is a fight on to start on the right wing.
Mahrez has made just four Premier League starts for Guardiola's side this season, with the Algerian being an unused substitute in the final three top-flight matches ahead of the World Cup in Qatar. Given that the City winger was never going to be in action in the tournament, it was somewhat surprising that he struggled for minutes ahead of the break.
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The former Leicester City man, who has registered four goals and one assist in 17 appearances in all competitions, has struggled to have the desired impact so far this season but he has always retained the backing of his manager. In April of this year, ahead of the Blues' clash with Leeds United, Guardiola insisted that Mahrez's instinct for goals was the main reason that he is so important to the team.
Guardiola suggested that the Algerian gave the team something 'unique', and when asked whether Jack Grealish could make an impact, the Spaniard explained why Mahrez - and Foden - continued to get the nod instead in some of the 'big' games.
"He can (have an impact)", said Guardiola. "Nothing changes. but in that position Riyad for a long time is always with us and in important games he gives us something unique.
"Foden is so determined and he has will and makes an impact. It’s just for that reason. Raheem everyone knows how important he is. In that moment I decide for the players. I always feel with Phil and Riyad the goal is there."
Two of Mahrez's goals this term have come in the Champions League, and it is in Europe that the winger has been able to play with more freedom. Having featured in all six Group G matches, there is a chance, if not a likelihood, that he will play against RB Leipzig in the Round of 16 tie in February and March.
For now, though, the Algerian must be focused on the upcoming friendly against Girona. With Foden, Grealish and Bernardo Silva not featuring against the Spanish club on Saturday following their World Cup involvement, Mahrez is almost certain to play from the start. There is a chance that Kevin De Bruyne could play some part in the game, and Haaland - having also not been in action in Qatar - will be itching to get back on the pitch following his scintillating start to the season.
Mahrez, with his main competitors still away from the side, must use the mid-season friendly to show Guardiola that he has been working on his game during the break. Considering that the Blues' Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool comes just four days after the World Cup final, and the fact that Mahrez featured in the third-round triumph over Chelsea, the attacker will fancy his chances at starting against Jurgen Klopp's side.
Moreover, with Julian Alvarez enjoying a superb tournament in the Middle East, it is vital that Mahrez demonstrates he is capable of reaching the heights he has set for himself in a Blue shirt in recent seasons. Having recorded 114 goal contributions in 206 matches for City since arriving at the Etihad, the 31-year-old has certainly delivered for Guardiola in the past.
The break in the domestic season arguably came at the perfect time for Mahrez, as it allowed him to recharge and reset, while also having time to work alongside Guardiola and his coaches without several of the club's attacking stars in attendance. With the Blues facing an intense festive schedule, the Algerian winger is going to be needed in the coming weeks.
If he manages to reach the level he set last season - and in the campaigns prior to that - Mahrez can play a vital role in helping City fight for the title this term, while also battling for cup glory.
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