Former Arsenal star Robert Pires has called out Al Ahli attacker Riyad Mahrez, urging him to lose weight as he is "no longer able to reach the level" required.
While the Algerian ended the 2023/24 campaign with 12 goals and 14 assists, he has not made an impression so far this season, picking up just two goals and four assists in 13 matches.
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Al Ahli are currently eighth on the Saudi Pro League table after losing four and drawing two of their nine encounters so far.
The ex-Leicester City star, who has contributed just one league goal this season, has been put under the spotlight amid his side's run of one win in their last five matches.
Their most recent defeat came in a 1-0 loss to Al Ittihad, and the winger admitted that he is "not the same player as at Manchester City".
Pires agreed with the player's statement, and highlighted what he believes to be the issue.
"in all honesty, Riyad Mahrez, until now, is no longer able to reach the level of the foreign stars of the Saudi league," the former attacker said while speaking SBA-Sport per Afrik-foot.
"He has also gained weight. Mahrez is no longer that explosive player. He has weak dribbling statistics, he lacks speed, and that has impacted his level," the former Premier League star added.
"It is difficult for Riyadh to return to his usual level. He must work seriously, because he does not have the necessary rhythm to compete with his competitors at the moment."
"[He must] pay attention to his physical condition and lose the excess weight, because that is what would allow him to maintain his level of performance.
"He plays as a winger, and it was his speed that made the difference, but he has now lost that asset.
"With the impact of age, unfortunately, his weaknesses have become visible, and he must find a solution."
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Mahrez and his side will be looking to turn their domestic fortunes around when they take on 10th-placed Al Raed on Friday.