5 players who need to step up for Manchester City in De Bruyne's absence

Riyad Mahrez

Can Mahrez replicate his form at his new club?

City's new signing and a league title winner on his own. Mahrez knows how to lead a team by example and carry the attacking burden effectively.

Granted, he plays in a very different position to that of De Bruyne, but if he can provide enough goals from the wings, City might just do without a bit of creativity from midfield.

Mahrez has shown to be a player who can break defenses down on his own and is an amazing dribbler. He is also a very creative player who got 13 assists last season to go along with his 12 goals, which is no mean feat.

Replicating his attacking return will take some work and is definitely not easy for a new signing. But City boasts of some of the best talents in the world and will surely help the Algerian get among the goals.

He, in turn, will need to take a bigger responsibility in the team.