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Riyad Mahrez is in the best form of his Manchester City career, according to manager Pep Guardiola.

The Blues boss didn't skip a beat before agreeing with the suggestion put to him as he went on to praise a player that has impressed in recent weeks. Mahrez briefly became the club record signing when they paid Leicester £60m in the summer of 2018, but with Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling in sensational form he found starting opportunities hard to come by.

Mahrez impressed his manager by rushing back for duty following his success with Algeria in the African Cup of Nations but again found himself out of the team, failing to start a league game between October 6 and November 23.

However, he has started the last five league games including all games over the Christmas period and has helped his team out with some terrific performances; the 28-year-old already has nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season.

Guardiola believes that more game time has helped given Mahrez the confidence to bring out the best parts of his game, including being clinical in front of goal.

"Yes - especially because he plays regularly," he said. "It’s difficult for the players when you play one game and then another and then after don’t play.

"Everybody needs rhythm and Riyad is now creating often. He is clinical in front of goal - you always have the feeling that when he has the ball there he will score a goal. That feeling is so nice for him and for all of us."