IF Mahrez

TOTW6 came and went with some interesting additions and omissions. One of the key cards jumping out at me was IF Riyad Mahrez: I pictured this gazelle-like figure flowing down the wing, embarrassing would be defenders, cutting in on that majestic left foot, and curling the ball out of the keepers reach, and into the top bin.  What I got, was a giraffe like figure, lumbering down the wing, slowly bumbling across, and curling the ball into the outstretched hands of the opposition goalkeeper.  Perhaps a simple summary, but you can see where this review is going.  
Despite my current frustration I did start this review with high hopes and created a full chemistry team using the 4-3-2-1 formation before switching to a 4-2-3-1 in game.  I tried Mahrez in all four of the attacking positions to see if I could find a spot where he would have an impact on matches, but it didn’t really come.  I honestly cannot remember the chemistry style that I used for the first game as immediately after I applied a HUNTER style to try and add some pace.  Mahrez was the disappointing middle child in the following squad:
 

Pace

As previously mentioned Mahrez was a bit sluggish after game one and I decided to go the unoriginal route and a HUNTER chemistry style.  99 ACCELERATION & 93 SPRINT SPEED is a nice looking set of stats and you would expect a bit of clip in return.  Without the ball I was quite happy with how speedy Mahrez would track and close down the ball.  Given the Algerian’s prowess with the ball and his mixture of dribbling and pace statistics, you would expect this to carry over on the ball.  Alas, as previously stated, this was the opposite and I could not get over how slow Mahrez felt in possession; it was as if Charlie Adam and Peter Crouch had a baby and named him Riyad.
Pace Rating: 6.5/10 (off the ball more of an 8.5)

Shooting

Try more timed finesse shots they said; you will score more goals they said.  Well to whoever they are I want you to know that you are absolutely right.  After one of my reviews it was suggested that I try more timed finesse shots and I have with great success.  However, with Mahrez it just would not happen for me.  The boosts to shooting statistics from the HUNTER chemistry style did nothing to help and I was left frustrated by the numerous chances wasted on this card.  His 4 STAR WEAK FOOT feels more like a 3 STAR and I found myself passing off chances near the end of the 20 games.  I realize that there is always some user error in these reviews, but as I look at the FUTBIN goal contributions for this card at .34 I realize I am not alone.  Granted he is often used as a winger, but I think there is a bit more to it than that… in before someone sends me a picture of 40 goals in 20 games.

Shooting Rating: 6.5/10

Dribbling

5 STAR SKILLS and a nice combination of 94 AGILITY & 88 BALANCE means that IF Mahrez can really slink around the pitch.  I was quite impressed with the turn responsiveness and some of his cut backs are non-defendable around the 18 yard box.  I feel like if the pace and shooting issues were not so noticeable I would be raving about his dribbling and how it lead to numerous goals and chances throughout this review.  I don’t want my negative experience to taint the fact that the dribbling on this card is a key trait and one of the statistics that lives up to expectations.

Dribbling Rating: 9.5/10

Passing

Perhaps the saving grace of this card was his goal contribution statistics and the fact that in 20 games he was involved in 15 goals.  While 8 assists is not close to a record for my reviews, it does suggest that he was in the right place to play the final pass in numerous circumstances.  In terms of ground and through ball passing I never noticed anything of note.  But the crossing on this guy is fantastic and he puts the ball in dangerous areas consistently.
Passing Rating: 8.5/10
Physical & Defending
77 STAMINA: okay I can live with that, he is definitely going to need a sub around the 60-70 minute mark but if he is contributing to goals before this time it offers the opportunity to bring in a super sub.
62 JUMPING: he is not the biggest lad but it can still lead to a few headers won in the air.  Zero headed goals despite being in areas to have the opportunities, not the best.
55 STRENGTH: alright now this is just ridiculous.  I was hoping that his slightly bigger frame would allow me to protect the ball a bit easier; in the end this was even more frustrating than missing quality chances.
When I comes to defending Mahrez does have the off-the-ball speed to catch attackers and I recall quite a few instances where he impacted the game positively in these situations.  As with most attackers there is really not enough information to place a value on this category, but I think he could be a useful asset in a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1.

Physical Rating: 6/10
Defending Rating: N/A

Final Score
 

Overall Rating: 7/10

There were numerous times this weekend where I was going to give this card a 5.5 or 6 out of 10.  Late in a game, down 3 – 2 and applying crazy pressure and in the 90+ minute the ball falls to Mahrez in the box, on his left foot, with the far left corner waiting to be met by the white and black orb.  Mahrez sets, shoots, timed finesse, straight into Alisson’s hands.  No corner, he just simply caught it to add insult to my misery.  Thankfully I didn’t quick sell him and now that I have calmed down I can look back at the overall review and remember some of the good times as well.  Deep down I do feel like a 6.7 is more accurate, but the statistics (which I also believe are accurate) suggest an even higher rating than a 7 so I will compromise.  From a real life perspective I do fell that Mahrez is just getting started in Pep’s Man City juggernaut and a second IF is probably not that far away. That OTW card looks enticing given the fact that further statistic boosts on this card could translate into a very useable option.  Cheers for Reading.

Game Stats:
 

Game Highlights: