Former Manchester City favourite Ali Benarbia believes new signing Riyad Mahrez is a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Mahrez joined City as a club record £60 million signing last week following months of speculation he was to leave Leicester City.

The Algerian was denied a move to City in January by the Foxes, with manager Claude Puel seeing Mahrez as key to his side’s battle against relegation.

However with the season over City finally landed their man, and Benarbia – who is also Algerian – has backed the flying forward to a huge hit at his new club.

“Everyone in Algeria has been waiting for Mahrez to move to a really big club to see the next stage of his development,” said Ali.

“He did a fantastic job for Leicester City, winning the Premier League and the PFA Player of the Year, but Algerians have been desperate to see him playing alongside even better players in a stronger squad.

A Blue Carpet arrival for @Mahrez22! 👋 #welcomeriyad #mancity pic.twitter.com/2NhGegvpIR

— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 12, 2018

“The whole of Algeria is very excited at his move and you will see Algerian flags at the Etihad Stadium next season, without a doubt with many people in his country supporting him.

“In France, too, I think people have been waiting to see how he does at a big club and I think they will see a different player this year.

“I think he will do very well and the thought of Leroy Sane on wing and Riyad Mahrez on the other is very exciting – he will give Pep Guardiola more options in attack and it will be interesting to see the various attacking combinations City can use.”

If you are not viewing this post on ManCityNews.com then you are viewing it on a site which has been reported for a DMCA and copyright infringement violation.