Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has saluted Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez for his wonderful composure and technique when executing penalties.
Guardiola spoke to City website in a post-match interview after Mahrez scored from the penalty spot and Kevin De Bruyne added the other goal in the 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday evening.
The Spaniard manager said Mahrez took his penalty kick differently from the other seven he had converted in previous games.
“He has the personality and special quality, no fear, he takes it. It doesn’t matter if previous actions are not good—he is a huge competitor,” he said.
“The penalties are about mentality and good speed of contact with the ball. Not one negative thought and Riyad has done it really well.”
Guardiola said Mahrez was undeterred by the penalty he missed in the game against Liverpool.
Mahrez, who had, before the game, hit headlines over off the field issues, took his tally to 16 goals in this season as City’s leading scorer.
The Algerian, who had a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Cameroon, scored in the 39th minute after Brentford had fouled Raheem Sterling in the box.
City moved 12 points clear ahead of second-placed Liverpool who have two games in hand, including Thursday’s encounter against Leicester City.