Riyad Mahrez
RW
Wide Forward
Feb 21, 1991 (35)
Left
5'10"
148 lb
Three crosses in 2-0 defeat
Mahrez registered one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 2-0 loss versus Switzerland.
Analysis: Mahrez started his third match of the World Cup, but this was his first start in which he failed to produce a goal involvement. He took three crosses and took a corner to bring him to five corners for the tournament. Mahrez had a good chance in the second half but was unable to find the target as the shot was blocked. The winger finished the tournament with two goals and one assist in his four games.
Scores brace versus Austria
Mahrez scored two goals to go with three shots (two on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Austria.
Analysis: Mahrez scored twice during Algeria's draw with Austria in their last group stage match, if both teams advancing to the Round of 32. The former Manchester City forward co-led his side in shots in the proccess. That was his second start and third appearance, with two goals and one assist to his name.
Provides assist in win
Mahrez assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), seven crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Monday's 2-1 victory versus Jordan.
Analysis: Mahrez got the start and wore the captain's armband for Algeria, squandering two golden first-half chances, including a breakaway opportunity after being picked out by a brilliant ball over the top, before serving up the corner that Nadhir Benbouali powered home for the equalizer in the 68th minute. He remained at the center of Algeria's attack all match long while helping unlock a stubborn Jordan backline, finishing with three chances created, seven crosses and four corners. Mahrez and Algeria now head into a winner-take-all final group-stage showdown against Austria with second place in Group J on the line.
Primary set piece taker for Algeria
Mahrez is set to head to his last World Cup with Algeria as their starter on the right wing and their main set-piece taker.
Analysis: Mahrez arrives at what he has confirmed will be his final World Cup riding the best form of his later career, coming off a brilliant season at Al-Ahli in which he contributed eight goals and 15 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions while helping his side to back-to-back AFC Champions League titles. The former African Footballer of the Year is no longer the explosive dribbler who tormented Premier League defenses at his peak, but he remains Algeria's most experienced and most dangerous creative outlet, their primary set-piece and penalty taker, and the player opponents must account for whenever the ball stops. Across 114 appearances for Algeria he has contributed 38 goals and 44 assists, a combined return that illustrates a player who has always threatened both in front of goal and as a creator. He also delivered three goals in five AFCON appearances earlier this year, confirming his international sharpness has not faded, and with set pieces and penalties at his disposal his attacking output at this tournament could climb quickly if Algeria earn enough dead ball situations in the right areas of the pitch.
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