Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Manchester City ‘missed’ a player who left the club last summer against Real Madrid last night.

Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League after a penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid. 

It was a cruel blow for Pep Guardiola’s side, who were the better side throughout the 120 minutes of action.

Rodrygo opened the scoring for Madrid inside 12 minutes but City piled on the pressure thereafter.

Kevin De Bruyne went close with an effort from range before Antonio Rudiger’s block proved to be enough to turn a Jack Grealish effort wide of the post.

Erling Haaland also rattled the woodwork with a header and Bernardo Silva was unable to sort his feet out to convert the rebound.

Following a dominant second-half display, De Bruyne netted that much-needed leveller but City were unable to find a winner.

It ultimately led to them crashing out on penalties, with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic missing from the spot. 

And while City were made to rue their wasted opportunities, Agbonlahor feels they missed one of their former players on the night.

Agbonlahor says Man City miss £30m player

Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor claimed that City ‘missed’ both Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan last night. 

The former Aston Villa skipper believes Mahrez’s absence in particular has been felt at City this season.

“Do you know what I thought they missed out on last night? They missed Gundogan and Mahrez, especially,” Agbonlahor said. “Foden is outstanding but you want him in the middle.

“What Mahrez done at Man City, receiving that ball, his first touch on the right. Imagine if you had Mahrez then Grealish and Doku on the left. I just think they’ve missed Mahrez this season.”

City haven’t replaced Mahrez

While the Manchester giants moved to bring in Jeremy Doku last summer, they are yet to bring in a right-sided forward since Mahrez’s departure.

The Algerian winger made the switch to Saudi Arabia last summer as he joined Al-Ahli for a fee worth around £30 million.

City also offloaded academy product Cole Palmer, who has excelled at Chelsea this season.

Foden can operate off the right-hand side but many believe the Englishman is better suited to a role in the middle of the park.

Silva has also stepped in to play on the right this term but City are lacking a natural right-sided forward.