"Guardiola was left impressed and discussed the 26-year-old prior to the pre-season friendly with Yokohama Marinos. When asked about the quality of Asian football, he said: "Well I would say the impact of [Kaoru] Mitoma on the Premier League has been incredible. He is in the right place with the right manager and his last season was extraordinary. And look at what Japan have done in the World Cup in a tough, tough group.
That's a ringing endorsement and Mitoma has the exact game-changing attacking prowess City will be missing without Mahrez. The 26-year-old is predominantly a left-winger but has played on the right in the past and looks as though he would have no trouble playing there at City. In turn, it would also be great extra cover for Jack Grealish and to ensure Foden doesn't have to be deployed out wide again."
