Riyad Mahrez can top most prolific Man City season with FA Cup goalscoring record

Riyad Mahrez is currently the top goalscorer in the FA Cup this season. The Algerian winger scored in City’s 4-1 quarter-final win over Southampton to take his tally to four and will be looking to add to it when Pep Guardiola’s side face Liverpool in the semi-final on Saturday.

Mahrez became the most expensive African footballer of all time when he moved from Leicester to Manchester City for £60 million in 2018. The Algerian had impressed with the Foxes and was instrumental in their unprecedented Premier League title win in 2015.

Guardiola had long been an admirer of the talented winger and added him to his already eyewatering pool of attacking talent. In his four seasons at the club, Mahrez has won the Premier League twice and scored 61 goals in 181 appearances.

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The 31-year-old joined the Citizens with a reputation as a creator, forming a deadly understanding with Leicester striker Jamie Vardy during his time at the Foxes. But with every season under Guardiola, Mahrez has gradually become a prolific goalscorer.

In his first season, the winger accumulated a total of 12 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, before scoring 13 and assisting 16 the following season. Mahrez recorded fewer assists (9) last season but scored more goals (14).

This season, Mahrez’s attacking output has reached new heights. In 39 appearances, the Algerian has scored an impressive 22 goals while still registering seven assists.

Mahrez’s increased goalscoring can be put down to Guardiola’s system. For two seasons now City have played a 4-3-3 formation which relies on the central striker and the wide players to fluidly interchange.

Due to Sergio Aguero’s