The reasons behind Riyad Mahrez's loss of form
Since leaving Manchester City for Saudi Arabia, Riyad Mahrez is no longer the same player. His level has dropped.
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On the stats front, Mahrez made a successful start at Al Ahli (11 goals and 13 assists in 32 games last season), but he is not in the best form of his life. The 33-year-old has regressed across the board. Proof of that: he was a complete non-factor at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with Algeria going out in the group stage.
The Saudi Pro League, a minor league
"I'm not the player who can dribble past five or six opponents and make the difference on his own! I'm not the same player as at Manchester City. But I'm in a different environment here, and I'm trying to get back to the level of form I had there." Those were Mahrez's words before the matchday 4 game in the AFC Champion's League. He admits he is not living up to expectations.
Read also: Al Ahli: Mahrez, the big admission of powerlessness
The Saudi league, the Saudi Pro League, has genuinely dragged Mahrez down. It is still a minor competition, with a fairly modest standard. By playing most of his matches in very easy games, the Fennec has been pulled down by the low level. And that has a direct impact on his performances. This season, after 14 games in all competitions, he has scored just 2 goals, with 3 assists.
Mahrez, a player who has put on weight
Apparently, Riyad Mahrez is paying less attention to his lifestyle. In recent weeks, the Algeria captain has put on weight. An overweight Mahrez is a player who cannot succeed on the pitch.
Mahrez's main qualities are his pace, his sharpness and his ability to dribble in tight spaces. You need to be supple to do all that. Unfortunately, the former Leicester City player is putting on weight and cannot perform.
Read also: Leicester: Riyad Mahrez heading for an incredible return?
Mahrez, a player now less ambitious
It is no secret. Saudi Arabia is a much more financial choice. At Al Ahli, the 33-year-old earns a huge salary of 35,000,000 euros, or 22,750,000,000 FCFA. It is clear that the sport is no longer his priority.
Besides, Riyad Mahrez has won almost everything in his career. With the national team, he won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. At club level, he has a rich honours list. The Sarcelles native has lifted the Premier League trophy 5 times, along with the Champions League, the FA Cup (2) and the League Cup (3)...