Compilation shows Riyad Mahrez has the best first touch in world football

If someone asked you to pick Manchester City's best player, you'd probably have a hard time picking out just one.

Do you go with Erling Haaland, the goal-machine freak who has found the back of the net 52 times this season and has smashed records left, right and centre?

Surely you can't look past Kevin de Bruyne, the pass-master who can break down defences with passes nobody else in the world could make.

Or how about Bernardo Silva? Phil Foden? Ruben Dias? Ilkay Gundogan? John Stones?

Told you it wasn't easy.

Making the observation that Pep Guardiola's side is stacked with superstar talents is not exactly cutting-edge analysis, but there is one player who doesn't always get the credit he deserves.

Riyad Mahrez has been a key player for City in recent seasons, even if it did take him a couple of years to get into the swing of things following his move from Leicester in 2018.

He made key contributions to City's run to the Champions League final in 2021, while last season he was City's top scorer in all competitions.

Mahrez hasn't quite reached those personal heights this season, although when it comes to one of his attributes, he's been as good as ever.

If Haaland is the master of the finish, De Bruyne the pass and Dias the tackle, the Mahrez is the king of the first touch.

pic.twitter.com/iKW1yz7b2v

— riyadpasta7 (@hburnerrrr) May 16, 2023

There are few better sights in football than a player plucking a ball from the sky with a single touch, and City fans are privileged to see the 32-year-old do it every week.

Now, for everyone's viewing pleasure, a compilation has emerged on Twitter showcasing Mahrez's finest touches.

There's first touches to trap the ball, first touches that take the ball in his stride as he leaves a defender for dead, first touches to lay off a teammate and first touches to slam the ball into the goal in a Manchester derby.

One viewer commented: "People underrate how important it is to have someone, especially a winger, that does this in your team", while another simply said: "Pure elegance and class."

120 seconds of Algeria's finest controlling cross-field passes and hoofed clearances like it's the easiest thing in the world, soundtracked by Hans Zimmer's dramatic Interstellar theme. Enjoy.