There will be moments of magic and frustration to come from a mercurial Manchester City playmaker | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki has made an impressive start to his Manchester City career. He has made nine appearances for City scoring three goals and has also contributed three assists. The French international has also dazzled with his trickery and ability to produce the spectacular and unexpected. But Cherki is still learning what it takes to play in a Pep Guardiola team. This was on display in Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Liverpool as Cherki endured a frustrating time on the pitch before he was substituted early in the second half. That is Rayan Cherki’s lot right now as he continues to learn the City way.

Rayan Cherki didn’t have the impact he’d have liked as Manchester City swept Liverpool aside.

As Manchester City dominated Liverpool during the first half of Sunday’s match, Rayan Cherki endured a frustrating time. He got himself into good positions but his shots were blocked or his touches didn’t have the impact he’d have liked. Cherki was also guilty of giving away possession on multiple occasions throughout the first half. You could see Pep Guardiola’s frustration with Cherki giving the ball away as the first half wore on. At the start of the second half, Cherki gave away possession and made a poor decision in the final third and was replaced by Savinho in the 53rd minute of Sunday’s match. His early withdrawal capped off a frustrating match for the French international. But his performance should prove to be a valuable learning experience for him.

Rayan Cherki is still learning the Manchester City way. He is playing catch-up in this regard as he missed a significant stretch of time due to injury. The glimpses have been there that Cherki will become a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. He is too talented not to be. But Cherki does need to take better care of the ball. Possession remains king for City, despite their ability to play in a variety of ways during a match. Giving the ball away on the halfway line isn’t what Pep Guardiola wants to see. This part of Cherki’s game will improve as time goes on. So Sunday’s match against Liverpool should serve Cherki well going forward.

Summary.

Rayan Cherki is a player who will give away possession on occasions. His penchant to attempt a game-splitting ball or his attempts to beat a man will lead to this occurring. Those traits are what make Cherki such an exciting player and one with the potential to be a match-winner for Manchester City. On Sunday we saw the frustrating side of the French international as nothing he tried came off and he gave away possession on too many occasions. It isn’t a major cause for concern that Cherki wasn’t at his best against Liverpool. If anything, it will be a valuable lesson for him and one that should help him quickly learn what is demanded by Pep Guardiola.