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#3 Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
Nathan Ake is not a regular in the Premier League for Manchester City. Ever since signing from Bournemouth last season, his role in the side has not been cemented. However, with John Stones and Aymeric Laporte not entirely match fit, Ake was handed a start against Tottenham in the opening gameweek of the Premier League.
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The 26-year-old defender had a tough afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Many fans expected this game to be a straightforward win for Manchester City. However, Steven Berwijn, Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min exploited Manchester City on the counter. Ake in particular was given a torrid time by the pacy Lucas Moura. Tottenham went on to win the game 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Son.
Ake completed just 83 per cent of his passes against Tottenham. For a Pep Guardiola-coached side, this is poor. In comparison, Ake completed 93 per cent of his passes in the Premier League last season.
The centre-back was also dribbled past once, failed to make a single interception and did not win a tackle. The Dutchman was also drawn out of position on many occasions, allowing the Spurs trio space to run in behind.
Ake also conceded the winning penalty in the Community Shield game against Leicester City. He has to improve in order to displace either Laporte or Stones from the starting line-up during the ongoing Premier League season.
#2 Raphinha (Leeds United)
Leeds United were not at their best when they faced Manchester United in the Premier League. In front of a packed-out Old Trafford, Leeds were humbled 5-1 by the hosts. While their defense was not up to the mark, their attack was poor too.
Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes ahead of the 2020-21 Premier League season. After an exciting debut season where he managed six goals and nine assists, fans had high expectations of the 24-year-old winger this season. However, the first game of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign was one to forget for the Brazilian.
Raphinha is an exciting player, who is known to get fans out of their seats. However, he failed to recreate his magic against Manchester United. The Brazilian attempted just three dribbles and completed one, which is a lot lower than last season where he averaged 4.5 dribbles per 90mins. His total progressive distance per 90mins last season was 118.9, while it was merely 62 against the Red Devils. Raphinha also attempted two shots, none of which were on target.
All in all, it was a poor showing from Leeds United as a whole, along with Raphinha. To improve on Bielsa's debut Premier League season, where they finished ninth, the winger has to be more consistent.
#1 Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
Riyad Mahrez was one of the most exciting players in the Premier League when he was at Leicester City. Ever since his move to Manchester City, he has evolved into a better all-round winger due to Pep Guardiola's system. However, the Algerian did not kick off the 2021-22 Premier League season on a high note.
Manchester City were the title favorites heading into the new campaign, but were defeated by Tottenham 1-0 in the opening game week. Their attack seemed disjointed, with Mahrez's poor game not helping.
The Algerian seemed low on confidence and was often not involved in possession. He also attempted just one dribble throughout the game. His average for the 2020-21 Premier League season was 3.41 per 90mins.
Mahrez also had just six touches inside the box. His ball control while attempting fancy skills was poor, which often led to him losing possession. The winger also attempted two shots, none of which were on target. His lethal left foot could not break the resilient Tottenham defense and he was eventually subbed off in the 78th minute.
Mahrez will be hoping to improve on his performance if he is to retain his spot in the Manchester City squad for the 2021-22 Premier League season. In a squad where there is an abundance of talent, the 30-year-old winger must ensure he picks up the pace.
