Riyad Mahrez

[richards30]

But he's gonna replace my fav. FFS

Exactly! A lot of times the bench can actually win games! The quality we will have will be unreal!

 

[cleavers]

I remember watching a game last year where Merlin, uncharacteristically, had a shot from outside the box. Made me wonder Pep was encouraging this to broaden our goal scoring options,

I think this is an area where Mahrez could strengthen us.

I actually think the contrary, I think Pep discourages long shots as the percentage of scoring is less, and the risk of giving the ball away greater, and that is why we don't shoot from further out.

 

[Kompany Car]

Wilfried Bony mark two...?

The thought did occur to me as I was typing, let's hope not. Bony was much more of a blunt instrument rather than technically gifted like Mahrez.

 

[Thaksinssoldier]

I actually think the contrary, I think Pep discourages long shots as the percentage of scoring is less, and the risk of giving the ball away greater, and that is why we don't shoot from further out.

I disagree. It's a tactic we use against parked bus sides. We'll regularly look to shoot from outside to lure them out 2-3 feet. Then when they do we'll opt to slip it to Sane or Sterling from a similar position as the opposition move to stop a shot from distance. It's a tactic, even if we don't think we'll score from the shot, we regularly at least get a corner from them.

 

[kaz7]

kev,sane,delph,dinho and dani all can shoot on target from distance,we've scored a few like that i thik

 

[prestonibbo_mcfc]

Exactly! A lot of times the bench can actually win games! The quality we will have will be unreal!

I think he's a tremendous player and is one that has been bought to play in any position across the front three or even just in behind.

 

[ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN]

So is this done then

 

[CityInWashingtonState]

I disagree. It's a tactic we use against parked bus sides. We'll regularly look to shoot from outside to lure them out 2-3 feet. Then when they do we'll opt to slip it to Sane or Sterling from a similar position as the opposition move to stop a shot from distance. It's a tactic, even if we don't think we'll score from the shot, we regularly at least get a corner from them.

I think I agree with this - Pep is adaptable - tweaking things to see what works best. Maybe 5/6 years ago at Barca he'd hate long shots - fast forward to the PL in 2017/18 - Pep doesn't seem to be terribly upset with long shots especially if it forces defenders out of position to guard against long range attempts.

I haven't heard any Pep commentary on this though, so I might be wrong.

 

[RandomJ]

I love the people saying he has to prove himself like we've just dropped £60 million on some journeyman player. Did any of you bother watching him in Leicesters title winning season? He was phenomenal. And was still their best player even when he was sulking about not getting to join us. Give him a pre season with Pep and you'll soon see.

 

[oakiecokie]

So if he joins and nobody leaves where does this leave Foden? He will be very lucky to even get on the bench?

Pep has already sated that Foden is going no where ... not even on loan.