Hi lads
Leicester fan here, thought I’d offer my opinion on Riyad.
Riyad has never been one to break down packed defences, one of the reasons Leicester struggled badly post title win was that opponents started sitting back against us and we didn’t have the answers. He’s always been best playing on the counter with lots of space to run into. He isn’t the fastest when countering, but makes up for it with one of the best first touches in the league. Pep probably recognises this which is why he’s started most games against the Big 6 teams but not started against the teams that sit back.
I also see a few comments that he should be tried centrally. While at Leicester, Riyad has been tried at 10 / centrally by each of the 4 managers. Every time, it turns out to be completely ineffective and the idea is shelved never to be seen again under that manager. Maybe Pep can work a bit of magic but I’m not convinced it would work.
He can also be, shall we say, a little ‘emotionally fragile’. He generally did not react well to being subbed or dropped at Leicester. He will have understood the reality that this would happen at Man City, but I do wonder if it’s finally starting to get to him, and affecting his form when he does play. It also must be said he’s never been an impact sub.