Riyad Mahrez

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robbieh said:
Look. Bar the fact that you said you were blocking me months ago I will attempt an answer. I wa not putting any of our players down. If I said Messi was better than any of our players would I be putting them down? Not at all. Mahrez was footballer of the year because he won Leicester the league. It is only an opinion. I love Raz and Leroy but I think Mahrez is a special player who will do wonders for us.
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I really agree with you. For me Mahrez will have an incredible next year if he signs for us. Some posters tell you he isn't better than for example Raz. But there are 3 things you have to answer first.

1. When was the last time you have seen fully motivated Mahres fighting for something? The year he won Player of the year, and title for LCFC. That season there were times he was almost unplayable. Year after his team was shit, he fought for nothing, but he still made some stats. Last year he just wanted out. I bet he wasn't giving 100%, as was his team. If you have a dream, you fight for PL, CL all the players up their game, if you fight for mid table, and wants out, and your club blocks you, how could you play and give it all week in week out?

2. How were LCFC attacks built? How much of the ball they had, how many chances they created, how much they bossed their games? Even in the season they won PL, they weren't even in 40% as dominant as City are every week. Even taking that into consideration, you can easily compare his stats to top top players in better, more dominant teams. How many goals/assists he would have in team like City this year?

3. The most important question for anyone stating he won't improve our team: is he worse finisher than for example Raz? ehhhm not. Maybe he is worse assister? not really. Worse dribbler? I really thing he is one of the best 1 vs 1 in world football. Maybe he has worse first touch? no he has not.

He has decent speed, not as fast as Sane/Raz, but really decent, can score from distance, is great finisher, can assist, and can unlock packed defense with his 1 vs 1 + he was begging for a move for 2 years, and he doesn't break under pressure - in LCFC tittle winning year he was their main man, and the better opposition were, the better he played (I still remember goal against us, when he left our 2 players in blocks and his shot left Hart on his feet). He will be fully motivated, hungry as ever, fresh with no WC, PL proven, and has all raw attributes to really step up his game to world class level as Salah did this year. He just enters his best years, and will be on his 200% self to show everyone why he wanted to be sold to one of the top teams 2 years ago, last summer and in january.

I am not saying he will end up our new best player, but look for some clips from his POTY year, and ask yourself: is it really impossible that this guy could take Raz out of the team? I can easily imagine that, even if I love Raheem and think he is great.

Mahrez is pure class and will suprise few on here.
 
Dirak said:
1. When was the last time you have seen fully motivated Mahres fighting for something? The year he won Player of the year, and title for LCFC. That season there were times he was almost unplayable. Year after his team was shit, he fought for nothing, but he still made some stats. Last year he just wanted out. I bet he wasn't giving 100%, as was his team. If you have a dream, you fight for PL, CL all the players up their game, if you fight for mid table, and wants out, and your club blocks you, how could you play and give it all week in week out?

2. How were LCFC attacks built? How much of the ball they had, how many chances they created, how much they bossed their games? Even in the season they won PL, they weren't even in 40% as dominant as City are every week. Even taking that into consideration, you can easily compare his stats to top top players in better, more dominant teams. How many goals/assists he would have in team like City this year?

3. The most important question for anyone stating he won't improve our team: is he worse finisher than for example Raz? ehhhm not. Maybe he is worse assister? not really. Worse dribbler? I really thing he is one of the best 1 vs 1 in world football. Maybe he has worse first touch? no he has not.

He has decent speed, not as fast as Sane/Raz, but really decent, can score from distance, is great finisher, can assist, and can unlock packed defense with his 1 vs 1 + he was begging for a move for 2 years, and he doesn't break under pressure - in LCFC tittle winning year he was their main man, and the better opposition were, the better he played (I still remember goal against us, when he left our 2 players in blocks and his shot left Hart on his feet). He will be fully motivated, hungry as ever, fresh with no WC, PL proven, and has all raw attributes to really step up his game to world class level as Salah did this year. He just enters his best years, and will be on his 200% self to show everyone why he wanted to be sold to one of the top teams 2 years ago, last summer and in january.

I am not saying he will end up our new best player, but look for some clips from his POTY year, and ask yourself: is it really impossible that this guy could take Raz out of the team? I can easily imagine that, even if I love Raheem and think he is great.

Mahrez is pure class and will suprise few on here.
Click to expand...
Good post.
 
Dirak said:
I really agree with you. For me Mahrez will have an incredible next year if he signs for us. Some posters tell you he isn't better than for example Raz. But there are 3 things you have to answer first.

1. When was the last time you have seen fully motivated Mahres fighting for something? The year he won Player of the year, and title for LCFC. That season there were times he was almost unplayable. Year after his team was shit, he fought for nothing, but he still made some stats. Last year he just wanted out. I bet he wasn't giving 100%, as was his team. If you have a dream, you fight for PL, CL all the players up their game, if you fight for mid table, and wants out, and your club blocks you, how could you play and give it all week in week out?

2. How were LCFC attacks built? How much of the ball they had, how many chances they created, how much they bossed their games? Even in the season they won PL, they weren't even in 40% as dominant as City are every week. Even taking that into consideration, you can easily compare his stats to top top players in better, more dominant teams. How many goals/assists he would have in team like City this year?

3. The most important question for anyone stating he won't improve our team: is he worse finisher than for example Raz? ehhhm not. Maybe he is worse assister? not really. Worse dribbler? I really thing he is one of the best 1 vs 1 in world football. Maybe he has worse first touch? no he has not.

He has decent speed, not as fast as Sane/Raz, but really decent, can score from distance, is great finisher, can assist, and can unlock packed defense with his 1 vs 1 + he was begging for a move for 2 years, and he doesn't break under pressure - in LCFC tittle winning year he was their main man, and the better opposition were, the better he played (I still remember goal against us, when he left our 2 players in blocks and his shot left Hart on his feet). He will be fully motivated, hungry as ever, fresh with no WC, PL proven, and has all raw attributes to really step up his game to world class level as Salah did this year. He just enters his best years, and will be on his 200% self to show everyone why he wanted to be sold to one of the top teams 2 years ago, last summer and in january.

I am not saying he will end up our new best player, but look for some clips from his POTY year, and ask yourself: is it really impossible that this guy could take Raz out of the team? I can easily imagine that, even if I love Raheem and think he is great.

Mahrez is pure class and will suprise few on here.
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Good effort but still not convinced mate.
 
Barcon said:
Didn’t know he played on the left (which is what we need as far as I’m concerned).
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I don't think we do. We can play Sterling on the left as long as there is a winger on the opposite side that can cause havoc and put in crosses. We purposely start most of our attacks on the left because when Sane gets the ball he can take his man on and deliver crosses in the box. Raz is there to poach on the opposite wing. If we have another winger that can do the same job on the right, we will start our attacks there and Sterling can do the same job, just on the opposite side.
 
Finishing 1 on 1.
I think so. Although we think of sitters missed there is also Newcastle, Southampton and Bournmouth to consider.
Looks like we're going to find out.
Not sure he has the pace to get himself in some of the positions Rash does though.
He gives a different option which is important.
 
Kinkys Left Foot said:
Finishing 1 on 1.
I think so. Although we think of sitters missed there is also Newcastle, Southampton and Bournmouth to consider.
Looks like we're going to find out.
Not sure he has the pace to get himself in some of the positions Rash does though.
He gives a different option which is important.
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Pace def not but he does have the ability to
Actually beat defenders and has a good eye for goal. I love raz but I can’t stand when he has a great chance he over thinks it and messes it up usually.
 
Dirak said:
I really agree with you. For me Mahrez will have an incredible next year if he signs for us. Some posters tell you he isn't better than for example Raz. But there are 3 things you have to answer first.

1. When was the last time you have seen fully motivated Mahres fighting for something? The year he won Player of the year, and title for LCFC. That season there were times he was almost unplayable. Year after his team was shit, he fought for nothing, but he still made some stats. Last year he just wanted out. I bet he wasn't giving 100%, as was his team. If you have a dream, you fight for PL, CL all the players up their game, if you fight for mid table, and wants out, and your club blocks you, how could you play and give it all week in week out?

2. How were LCFC attacks built? How much of the ball they had, how many chances they created, how much they bossed their games? Even in the season they won PL, they weren't even in 40% as dominant as City are every week. Even taking that into consideration, you can easily compare his stats to top top players in better, more dominant teams. How many goals/assists he would have in team like City this year?

3. The most important question for anyone stating he won't improve our team: is he worse finisher than for example Raz? ehhhm not. Maybe he is worse assister? not really. Worse dribbler? I really thing he is one of the best 1 vs 1 in world football. Maybe he has worse first touch? no he has not.

He has decent speed, not as fast as Sane/Raz, but really decent, can score from distance, is great finisher, can assist, and can unlock packed defense with his 1 vs 1 + he was begging for a move for 2 years, and he doesn't break under pressure - in LCFC tittle winning year he was their main man, and the better opposition were, the better he played (I still remember goal against us, when he left our 2 players in blocks and his shot left Hart on his feet). He will be fully motivated, hungry as ever, fresh with no WC, PL proven, and has all raw attributes to really step up his game to world class level as Salah did this year. He just enters his best years, and will be on his 200% self to show everyone why he wanted to be sold to one of the top teams 2 years ago, last summer and in january.

I am not saying he will end up our new best player, but look for some clips from his POTY year, and ask yourself: is it really impossible that this guy could take Raz out of the team? I can easily imagine that, even if I love Raheem and think he is great.

Mahrez is pure class and will suprise few on here.
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Ok but million dollar question is , does he track back ?
Can he play piano ?
 
Imo he's a luxury player and won't add that much to the team. But he is definitely better than Gundogwan and has set pieces as his speciality. Raheem on the otherhand is a better player and offers much more potential still.
 
Dirak said:
I really agree with you. For me Mahrez will have an incredible next year if he signs for us. Some posters tell you he isn't better than for example Raz. But there are 3 things you have to answer first.

1. When was the last time you have seen fully motivated Mahres fighting for something? The year he won Player of the year, and title for LCFC. That season there were times he was almost unplayable. Year after his team was shit, he fought for nothing, but he still made some stats. Last year he just wanted out. I bet he wasn't giving 100%, as was his team. If you have a dream, you fight for PL, CL all the players up their game, if you fight for mid table, and wants out, and your club blocks you, how could you play and give it all week in week out?

2. How were LCFC attacks built? How much of the ball they had, how many chances they created, how much they bossed their games? Even in the season they won PL, they weren't even in 40% as dominant as City are every week. Even taking that into consideration, you can easily compare his stats to top top players in better, more dominant teams. How many goals/assists he would have in team like City this year?

3. The most important question for anyone stating he won't improve our team: is he worse finisher than for example Raz? ehhhm not. Maybe he is worse assister? not really. Worse dribbler? I really thing he is one of the best 1 vs 1 in world football. Maybe he has worse first touch? no he has not.

He has decent speed, not as fast as Sane/Raz, but really decent, can score from distance, is great finisher, can assist, and can unlock packed defense with his 1 vs 1 + he was begging for a move for 2 years, and he doesn't break under pressure - in LCFC tittle winning year he was their main man, and the better opposition were, the better he played (I still remember goal against us, when he left our 2 players in blocks and his shot left Hart on his feet). He will be fully motivated, hungry as ever, fresh with no WC, PL proven, and has all raw attributes to really step up his game to world class level as Salah did this year. He just enters his best years, and will be on his 200% self to show everyone why he wanted to be sold to one of the top teams 2 years ago, last summer and in january.

I am not saying he will end up our new best player, but look for some clips from his POTY year, and ask yourself: is it really impossible that this guy could take Raz out of the team? I can easily imagine that, even if I love Raheem and think he is great.

Mahrez is pure class and will suprise few on here.
Click to expand...

I agree in regards to the player and his worth. He is a class player who is very creative, intelligent on the ball, very good close control and dribbling, very good passing ability and can finish with the best of them. He definitely has a higher level he can move onto with a team where he will get more time on the ball and all creative burden not placed on him. That said I don't get the comparisons with raz especially as you couldn't have two more different types of players. We always get to this point with sterling where people only look at the face value. What if I told you bernardo silva like mahrez is also a better finisher than sterling, better 'assister'(guessing you mean passer), a better close control dribbler as well as better first touch. All the things you listed mahrez is better at than raz yet guess who pep will view as first team and more important between b.silva and sterling going into next season. It seems very few know or at least understand why sterling is rated highly enough by pep to go as far as to even start him as a false 9 in two of the biggest games towards the end of last season and why someone who apparently has poor shooting technique and composure in front of goal can score 23 goals in a season as a winger. We seem to get to this stage during the start of every new season where so and so will kick him out of the first-team yet it never happens so I will try to explain.

Sterling is the best in the whole squad when it comes to anticipation of a build up phase in game and positional play in the final third. In fact I will go one further, he is amongst the top players in the world in that tactical side of the game. He sees an attack developing in the final third quicker than almost anyone in the team, he times his runs often to perfection consistently in such circumstances but more importantly his positional sense and awareness of where to be and space to attack in around the box is second to none. There's a stat in his thread that only messi, suarez and salah have had more touches in the opposition box than him in europe's top 5 leagues and that is incredibly important playing for a team that faces oppositions with 10 players round the 18 yard box where space is very limited. That means you have a player who consistently gets himself in very good goal-scoring situations, one who is more likely to draw and win penalties for his team in tight games where they are struggling and one who is more likely to lay on an easier clear-cut chance for his team-mates. That side of the game has very little to do with technique or ability on the ball but rather tactical understanding and awareness of space, timing of movement and positional play, something sterling excels at and mahrez as good as he is will never be on his level as its not his game.

So yes mahrez may be and imo is a better technical player on the ball than sterling in a lot of areas like you listed, his game is more based on being on the ball and being a creative influence, very few of his goals comes from getting at the end of a ball inside the box and you also won't find him breaking the defensive line or getting into goalscoring situations as regularly as raheem. In fact since the start of leicester title winning season, he's scored 41 goals of which 9 have been from penalties so in three seasons he has scored 32 goals from open play in all competitions while raheem has 43 from open play in that same time period and although Sterling admittedly played with better players,these included his first season with pellegrini where him and the whole team clearly underperformed. So the point is you could give them the same game time in this current team and system with pep and I believe it would be highly likely for sterling to have more goals and assists than mahrez even though he is the lesser technical player. So comparing both players simply on the technical side of the game and leaving out the other facets that allows one player to find himself in more dangerous goal-scoring and chance-creating positions than the other is very short-sighted and simplistic. Mahrez will be a class signing but he won't replace sterling as easily as you or some may believe and don't be surprised if sterling once again makes that right wing his or has more minutes due to his flexibility.
 
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we don't necessarily need all 22 year olds, it might benefit to have someone who is hitting his prime
ws01 said:
My concern is he's 27.

Would much rather us spruik this kinda money on someone 3-4 yesrs to get the best value out of it.
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raghavk said:
we don't necessarily need all 22 year olds, it might benefit to have someone who is hitting his prime
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Seriously. A 29 yr old just scored two worldies to win Madrid the CL but people want 22 yr olds ahead of players in their prime. I'm all for young players but a team with a forward line whose average age is 22 doesn't win the CL. There has to be a balance.
 
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