Manchester City fans are hoping Riyad Mahrez can return to Manchester City full of confidence after he scored an incredible solo goal on international duty.
After getting on the scoresheet as well as grabbing an assist for Algeria against Zimbabwe last week, Mahrez again shone against the same opposition on Monday as Algeria remained in control of their African Cup of Nations qualifying group.
With Algeria one goal up, Mahrez scored a sublime second in the latest victory to round off a successful international break. He was later replaced before Zimbabwe fought back to claim a point.
Collecting a cross-field pass, Mahrez flicked the ball over his defender with his first touch, before racing into the area on the right hand side. The City man then cut inside, checked back to leave the Zimbabwe defence on the floor, before smashing home on his right foot to complete the wonderful goal.
The goal, and particularly his unbelievable first touch, caught the attention of City fans, who are hopeful Mahrez can rediscover his form from last season after a mixed start to the new campaign.
Mahrez found himself out of the matchday squad all together in City's last Premier League game - the important clash with Liverpool - but his reaction to that disappointment has been exemplary if his performances for Algeria are anything to go by.
Watch Mahrez's brilliant goal and read how City fans reacted:
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Before the Zimbabwe double-header, Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi spoke about Mahrez's omission against Liverpool, insisting the winger was disappointed, but that there was no issues between him and City.
“There’s nothing alarming about Mahrez’s situation at Manchester City," he said.
"If you look at the number of games he’s played recently, it’s a fair amount. Pretty much all of them. It’s true we were all awaiting that game against Liverpool. We would have liked to see Riyad play and perform against that kind of opposition.
“Unfortunately, that’s part of the job. To face this kind of situation. Stay strong and not dramatise it.
"Riyad loves football, he would have liked to play that type of game. He’s disappointed. We all were not seeing him, but at the same time, he’s very happy each time to find the national team again.
“He's a player with a strong character too. If he got where he is, it's because he knows how to deal with this kind of situation. We wish him the best to him and to all his teammates."