Al Ittihad's Mahrez Ratings: An Analysis of His Midfield Performance

# Al Ittihad's Mahrez Ratings: An Analysis of His Midfield Performance

## Introduction to Mahrez at Al Ittihad

Al Ittihad's signing of Riyad Mahrez has been a topic of considerable debate and curiosity since his arrival in Saudi Arabia. The Algerian midfielder, known for his creativity and technical ability, joined the Jeddah-based club in 2022, and his performances have been closely scrutinized. This article delves into Mahrez's midfield contributions at Al Ittihad, analyzing his impact, strengths, and areas for improvement.

## Mahrez's Midfield Role at Al Ittihad

Mahrez has primarily been deployed as a central midfielder by Al Ittihad coach Juan Carlos Osorio. In this role, Mahrez has been tasked with controlling the tempo of the game, breaking up opposition plays, and contributing to the attacking phase. His ability to read the game and dictate play has been a standout feature of his performances.

One of the key aspects of Mahrez's game that has translated well to Al Ittihad is his vision and passing range. He consistently looks to play incisive, first-time passes that can unlock defenses, and his ability to thread balls through tight spaces has been a highlight. Defensively, Mahrez has also shown aptitude, often tracking back to help his teammates in midfield and making important interceptions to dispossess opponents.

## Assessing Mahrez's Impact on Al Ittihad

From a statistical perspective, Mahrez's influence on Al Ittihad's midfield has been significant. He has been involved in a number of key passes, which have led to scoring opportunities. His work rate and composure under pressure have also been commendable, and he has quickly adapted to the physical demands of Saudi Pro League.

However, there have been moments where Mahrez's performance has been inconsistent, particularly in matches where Al Ittihad have struggled to maintain possession or dominate games. Critics have pointed out that Mahrez sometimes overplays the ball, which can lead to unnecessary defensive risks. Additionally, his physicality in tackle situations has been a point of discussion, as he has often been outmuscled by stronger opponents.

## Al Ittihad's Future with Mahrez

Looking ahead, Mahrez's ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial to his long-term success at Al Ittihad. The club would benefit from providing him with more support in the attacking phase, allowing him to exploit defensive gaps more effectively. Furthermore, improving the overall structure of Al Ittihad's midfield could help Mahrez play in a more structured system, reducing the defensive workload on him.

In conclusion, Riyad Mahrez has brought a unique blend of creativity and technical ability to Al Ittihad, making him a valuable asset in their midfield. While his performance has had ups and downs, his potential to become a cornerstone of the team's midfield remains high, provided he continues to develop and receive the right support.

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