Rayan Cherki steps up during Boxing Day as Manchester City target Chelsea test | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki has embraced his first Boxing Day with Manchester City, growing in influence and eyeing Chelsea, Sunday 18:30. The 22-year-old France international, with four caps and one goal, hopes to build on it.

According to L'Équipe, despite starting regularly for a month he is still new to the Premier League rhythm, with games every three days and a 31 December on the eve of a match. Given his impact and the state of the squad, he could be handed another opportunity against Chelsea.

He does not appear physically taxed, using rare match-free afternoons for extended naps, while recent sessions focused on indoor recovery. After lunch with team-mates, he headed home to unwind or play his games console, including on New Year’s Eve.

At Nottingham three days earlier he scored and assisted, and admitted he had partly ignored Pep Guardiola’s instruction to stay tight to the right flank. The manager did not raise the matter afterwards.

Then at Sunderland he delivered arguably his most complete defensive display, winning a match-high 15 duels. His energy did not blunt his composure, shown by a stoppage-time pass to Reijnders. There was no inquest after the draw, and he told close ones he enjoyed the stadium atmosphere.

He has already scored at home this season, though not in the Premier League. Aware of his growing role, Cherki believes there is much more to come. Before Boxing Day, Guardiola had called him among the most talented he has worked with, and further praise could follow.

Source: L'Équipe