Manchester City Missing Riyad Mahrez’s Magic Touch – The ‘Beautiful Footballer’ They Should Never Have Let Go

Manchester City’s season finale against Fulham at Craven Cottage perfectly encapsulated what has been a turbulent and ultimately disappointing campaign for Pep Guardiola’s men. While a 2-0 victory secured their place in next season’s Champions League – extending their remarkable 15-year streak in Europe’s premier competition – the fact that they needed to fight until the final day to guarantee European qualification tells its own story about how far the standards have slipped at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and prolific striker Erling Haaland ensured City avoided the unthinkable scenario of missing out on Champions League football, but the underwhelming nature of their season has prompted serious questions about squad composition, transfer policy, and the club’s long-term direction. For Gary Lineker, the BBC’s long-serving Match of the Day presenter who recently announced his departure from the iconic role, the answers to City’s problems can be traced back to a decision made in the summer of 2023 – the sale of Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez.

The End of an Era at Match of the Day

Lineker’s assessment of City’s current predicament comes during his final weeks as the face of Match of the Day, a position he has held with distinction for 26 years. As part of his farewell tour, the former England striker was asked to select his 11 favorite Premier League players from his time presenting the show, and Mahrez’s inclusion in that elite group speaks volumes about the impact the Algerian had on English football’s top flight.

“Not just for what he did at Leicester but also Manchester City – I think they’ve really missed him since he left,” Lineker explained when discussing his selection. “What a beautiful footballer, what a bargain as well, he hardly cost any money. He’s probably the greatest Premier League player of all time.”

The hyperbolic nature of that final statement might raise eyebrows among some observers, but Lineker’s enthusiasm for Mahrez’s unique talents is rooted in years of watching the winger’s mesmerizing performances week after week. His particular admiration for Mahrez’s technical ability became even more apparent as he delved deeper into what made the player so special.

The Feather Touch That Set Mahrez Apart

When pressed to elaborate on what made Mahrez such a compelling figure, Lineker’s focus immediately turned to the player’s extraordinary first touch – an aspect of his game that he believes was virtually unmatched in the modern era.

“More than anything else, it was his first touch,” Lineker explained with genuine reverence. “He brought it down like it was always a feather landing on his foot. I’ve never known anyone with such a touch, he’s right up there with the likes of – not his overall ability, but in terms of his first touch – any of the players that you can think of.”

This technical mastery wasn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it was the foundation upon which Mahrez built his entire game. In an era where the Premier League has become increasingly physical and frenetic, players who can consistently control the ball under pressure have become more valuable than ever. Mahrez’s ability to receive passes in tight spaces and immediately set himself for the next phase of play was a skill that elevated him above many of his contemporaries.

Lineker’s description of Mahrez’s “skinny little legs” might sound dismissive to the casual observer, but it actually highlights one of the most remarkable aspects of the player’s career. In a sport where physical presence is often seen as paramount, Mahrez succeeded through pure technique, intelligence, and an almost supernatural ability to manipulate the ball. His slight frame became an advantage, allowing him to glide between defenders and find spaces that more physically imposing players couldn’t access.

The Leicester City Miracle

To truly understand Mahrez’s impact on English football, one must first revisit his role in Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League triumph in the 2015-16 season. Lineker, who maintains strong ties to his boyhood club, was perfectly positioned to witness Mahrez’s transformation from promising youngster to world-class performer.

“He was one of the big four for Leicester when they won the league,” Lineker recalled, before correcting himself with characteristic wit. “Vardy was another one, N’Golo Kante and Kasper Schmeichel in goal, that spine, they were incredible. Well, Mahrez wasn’t part of the spine, he was wide.”

This slight correction actually reveals something profound about Mahrez’s contribution to that Leicester team. While Jamie Vardy provided the goals, Kante dominated the midfield, and Schmeichel secured the defense, Mahrez was the creative spark that made everything click. Operating from wide positions, he had the freedom to drift inside, create chances for his teammates, and provide the moments of individual brilliance that turned close games into comfortable victories.

The Leicester story remains one of the greatest sporting achievements of the modern era, with odds of 5000-1 against them winning the title at the start of the season. Mahrez’s performances throughout that campaign were nothing short of extraordinary, contributing 17 goals and 11 assists as the Foxes defied all logic and expectation to claim their first-ever top-flight title.

Lineker’s memory of first seeing Mahrez in action remains vivid: “When he first started, you thought ‘Crikey, this kid looks like he can play’, and by the time he left us he was wonderful.” This progression from promising talent to established star was accelerated by Mahrez’s incredible work ethic and determination to maximize his natural gifts.

The Manchester City Years: Success and Frustration

When Manchester City came calling in the summer of 2018, Leicester’s reluctance to sell their prized asset was understandable. The eventual transfer fee of around £60 million represented excellent business for the Foxes, but it also marked the end of an era. For Mahrez, the move to the Etihad represented the next logical step in his career – an opportunity to compete for the highest honors while working under one of the world’s most innovative coaches.

Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, Mahrez’s game evolved considerably. The Spanish tactician’s emphasis on positional play and tactical flexibility allowed the Algerian to showcase different aspects of his skill set. No longer was he simply the wide player tasked with beating his man and delivering crosses; instead, he became an integral part of City’s intricate passing patterns and creative combinations.

The statistics from Mahrez’s five-year stint at Manchester City tell the story of a hugely successful period. In 236 appearances across all competitions, he contributed 78 goals and 59 assists – numbers that reflect both his individual quality and his importance to the team’s overall success. More significantly, he was part of a City squad that claimed 11 major trophies, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the club’s first-ever Champions League triumph in 2023.

However, the 2022-23 season proved to be bittersweet for Mahrez. Despite City’s historic treble achievement, the winger found himself increasingly marginalized as the campaign progressed. The emergence of other attacking options and Guardiola’s tactical adjustments meant that Mahrez was no longer guaranteed a starting position in the biggest games. The ultimate indignity came during the season’s climax, when he was left as an unused substitute for both the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

The Saudi Arabian Adventure

The decision to leave Manchester City in the summer of 2023 was ultimately Mahrez’s own choice, despite the club’s efforts to retain his services. Al-Ahli’s offer from the Saudi Pro League presented an opportunity that the then-32-year-old felt he couldn’t refuse, both from a financial perspective and as a chance to play regular first-team football.

Speaking to French publication L’Equipe in November 2023, Mahrez was candid about his decision-making process: “I had two years left on my contract with Manchester City, I could have stayed. It was really me who decided to leave. I felt that this opportunity would not come again. Maybe it was time to leave because I had spent five years at City and won everything.”

The financial details of the Saudi move were never fully disclosed, but reports suggested that Al-Ahli paid around £30 million for Mahrez’s services – a significant reduction from the fee City had paid Leicester five years earlier. However, the player’s salary in Saudi Arabia was reportedly several times higher than what he was earning in Manchester, making the move financially attractive despite the step down in competitive level.

Mahrez’s comments also revealed the internal discussions that took place before his departure: “Txiki Begiristain (technical director) really wanted me to stay, and even Pep Guardiola. They made it clear to me. I weighed the pros and cons. And finally, I decided to leave. I don’t regret it, I’m happy to be here.”

This insight into City’s attempts to retain Mahrez makes his subsequent absence even more significant. The fact that both Guardiola and Begiristain recognized his value and actively tried to convince him to stay suggests that the club understood they were losing something special.

The Ripple Effects of Mahrez’s Departure

The 2024-25 season has provided compelling evidence for Lineker’s assertion that City are missing Mahrez’s unique qualities. While the club managed to replace some of his statistical output through other players, the intangible aspects of his contribution have proven much harder to replicate.

Mahrez’s ability to provide moments of individual brilliance when games were tight was one of his most valuable attributes. Whether it was a perfectly weighted through ball, a curling shot into the far corner, or a piece of skill that created space for a teammate, he possessed the kind of game-changing ability that can’t be easily quantified or replaced.

The creative burden at City has increasingly fallen on Kevin De Bruyne’s shoulders, but the Belgian midfielder’s own future at the club is now uncertain. With De Bruyne’s departure confirmed, City face the prospect of rebuilding their creative department without two of their most technically gifted players.

Craig Burley, the former Scotland international turned pundit, echoed Lineker’s sentiments earlier in the season when he suggested that City were struggling without Mahrez’s creativity and unpredictability. The consensus among many observers is that while City’s squad remains formidable on paper, they have lost some of the individual flair that made them so dangerous in crucial moments.

The Broader Context of City’s Struggles

Manchester City’s disappointing 2024-25 campaign cannot be attributed solely to Mahrez’s absence, but his departure certainly contributed to their creative malaise. The club’s struggles have been multifaceted, involving tactical adjustments, squad aging, and increased competition from rival clubs who have strengthened significantly.

The need for a comprehensive squad rebuild has become apparent, with several key players either leaving or approaching the twilight of their careers. De Bruyne’s exit, in particular, represents the loss of City’s primary creative force over the past decade. Replacing players of this caliber is never straightforward, even for a club with City’s resources.

Pep Guardiola’s comments after the Fulham victory hinted at further changes to come, with Jack Grealish among the players whose futures remain uncertain. The Spanish coach’s cryptic remarks about squad selection and player futures suggest that the summer transfer window will be crucial for City’s hopes of returning to their previous levels of success.

The African Legacy in English Football

Mahrez’s success in English football also represents something significant from a broader perspective. As one of the most accomplished African players ever to grace the Premier League, his achievements have paved the way for future generations of players from the continent.

His technical excellence and professionalism helped dispel outdated stereotypes about African players, proving that success in the Premier League requires much more than just physical attributes. The fact that he achieved success at both Leicester and City – clubs with very different playing styles and expectations – demonstrated his adaptability and football intelligence.

The influence Mahrez had on younger players during his time in England shouldn’t be underestimated either. Cole Palmer, who has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young talents, previously spoke about how much he learned from training alongside Mahrez at City. This mentoring aspect of his contribution was perhaps not fully appreciated until after his departure.

Looking Forward: Lessons for Manchester City

As Manchester City prepare for what promises to be a busy summer transfer window, the lessons from Mahrez’s departure should inform their decision-making process. While the financial rewards of the Saudi Pro League are undeniable, allowing players of Mahrez’s quality to leave without adequate replacement has proven costly.

The club’s recruitment strategy will need to focus not just on statistical output but on finding players who can provide the kind of individual moments that decide tight games. This is easier said than done, as players with Mahrez’s unique combination of technical ability, creativity, and big-game experience are increasingly rare in the modern game.

Gary Lineker’s assessment of City’s current situation, viewed through the lens of his extensive experience watching Premier League football, serves as a reminder that sometimes the value of a player only becomes fully apparent after they’ve gone. In Mahrez’s case, his “feather touch” and ability to create something from nothing may have been taken for granted during his time at the Etihad.

As City look to rebuild and refresh their squad, they would do well to remember that football’s most beautiful moments often come from its most beautiful footballers – players like Riyad Mahrez, whose artistry on the ball elevated not just his own performances, but the entire spectacle of the sport itself.

The challenge now facing Pep Guardiola and Manchester City is finding players who can replicate not just Mahrez’s numbers, but his magic. As Gary Lineker’s tribute makes clear, that kind of talent is genuinely irreplaceable – and its absence is being felt more keenly with each passing game.