Pearson Lauds Exceptional Mahrez Ascent

The winger set up Jeffrey Schlupp for the opener and netted the second goal in the 2-2 draw with Burnley on Saturday after coming back into the starting line-up.
Moving from French Ligue 2 side Le Havre in January 2014, the explosive attacker earned a call-up to Algeria’s World Cup squad in the summer.
Playing for the Desert Warriors in their 2-1 loss to Belgium, Mahrez’s nation went on to qualify from Group H only to be knocked out by eventual winners Germany in the round of last 16.
An influential part of City’s current squad, Pearson noted that the 23-year-old is one of many match winners that his side possesses.
He said: “An unknown player when he joined us, I thought he did exceptionally well for us last season to such extent that he was selected for Algeria and went to the World Cup.
“That is a huge, steep ascent in terms of stature in the game.
“He has ability. We feel that we have a number of match winners at both ends. It’s not just about being able to create but certainly it’s good to get that blend.”
Pearson knows that with success comes an expectation to perform consistently well on a regular basis – a heavy burden on any players' shoulders.
He continued: “One of the dangers for people like Riyad would be that expectation can climb through the roof if you’re not careful.
“What can go with that what’s probably not as easy to deal with is those expectation levels may change.
“We have to keep an eye on how players develop and certainly he’s done very well in his time here so far.
“But of course, he’s a young player and he’ll make mistakes but he will also have a very positive impact. He’s a popular member of our squad.”