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Man City transfer news: Richard Dunne makes prediction after Riyad Mahrez signing
MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola will use Riyad Mahrez as a squad player, according to former star Richard Dunne.
City broke their club record to sign winger Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City for £60million in July.
The 27-year-old has signed a five-year deal to become City's only big-name addition.
But despite the bumper fee, Dunne believes Mahrez will have to make do with plenty of time on the bench.
"There's no doubt the actual talent that Riyad Mahrez has got is phenomenal," Dunne told BT Sport.
I think he will be a squad player to start off with until he learns what the manager wants from him
"His touch, his vision, everything about him screams up a Manchester City and a Guardiola type of player.
"What Manchester City do have is an abundance of attacking players in those wide areas.
"I think he will be a squad player to start off with until he learns what the manager wants from him and what the team expect from him.
"Once he gets that, once he gets the work-rate, then he'll become an important part of the team."
Manchester City confirm signing of Riyad Mahrez
City may not have spent big this summer - aside from the signing of Mahrez - but pundit Chris Sutton expects them to dominate across the board this season.
He said: "They have strength in depth. It shows they want to fight on all fronts.
"I see him more as a passer, a creator but it's unbelievable. Look at the Manchester City squad, the competition for places.
"Talk about how difficult it is to retain the title but they look formidable City."