Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes in-form Riyad Mahrez still has another level to reach.
The Algeria international has scored in his last seven appearances for the club either side of his spell at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Guardiola said at a press conference: “Riyad can still do better to reach the level he showed in the last four, five or six months of last season. Still he can do better.”
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City have a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League ahead of their trip to relegation-threatened Norwich on Saturday.
The champions won 5-0 when the sides met in August but Guardiola has been impressed how the Canaries have picked up recently under Dean Smith.
He said: “That was a long time ago. It is a new game. We lost there two seasons ago. Norwich’s momentum is excellent, seven (points) from nine.”
City will again be without forward Gabriel Jesus due to a niggling problem picked up on international duty with Brazil recently while youngster Cole Palmer also remains on the sidelines.
Guardiola said: “These two players are still out but I think Gabriel is coming back soon.”
City’s trip to Carrow Road sees record signing Jack Grealish come up against his former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith.
Grealish is yet to find his best form for City but Smith has backed the 26-year-old to deliver for the club and Guardiola also has no doubts.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “No one knows Jack better than Dean and I completely agree with him.
“He’s played good and helped us to be in the position we are in now. He is playing in a high level. When he’s played he’s played really well.”
City have not lost since October as they chase a fourth Premier League title in five years but Guardiola is constantly striving to improve.
“As humans we are imperfect,” he said. “Perfection doesn’t exist. In sport, especially football, which is not an individual sport, so many things can be adjusted.”
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