Pundit ‘surprised’ after Riyad Mahrez development at Man City

Kevin Campbell has claimed Riyad Mahrez’s lack of game time for Man City this season is a “slight surprise.”

However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Arsenal and Everton striker suggested a run of starts is just around the corner for the 31-year-old.

As confirmed by City (17 October), Mahrez finished 12th in this year’s Ballon d’Or awards.

It comes after a season in which the winger contributed 24 goals and nine assist across all competitions.

The Algeria international has not had the same impact in the 2022-23 campaign though.

He has started just three times in the Premier League this season and was an unused substitute in the loss to Liverpool on Sunday (16 October).

When asked by Football Insider if Mahrez’s lack of starts was a surprise, Campbell said: “It is a slight surprise but he is coming off the bench a lot.

“We tend to see him more in the second half of the season.

“Mahrez is a quality player. He will get his games this season. It is just a case of when you get them with Pep Guardiola.

“If Mahrez was upset with his game time he would address the situation, I’m sure. I do not think he feels that way though. Sometimes you don’t get picked, that is the reality of football.

“Mahrez needs to prove his worth on the training ground. Managers wants players that are hungry.

“Mahrez will get his game time. Listen, how are the rich ever going to survive? It is embarrassing how many good players they have got.”

In other news, a pundit has claimed Man City are cashing in on Erling Haaland after a ‘big’ financial reveal.

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