A supremely talented duo have blossomed playing together for Manchester City | OneFootball

The potential of a combination forming between Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki was a tantalising prospect to ponder for Manchester City ahead of this season. Foden and Cherki are two of the most talented players in the Premier League and Europe. Although they play in similar positions, their games did look to be suited to playing together. It has taken some time to develop, but the Foden and Cherki combination has now become a key component of Pep Guardiola’s side. There is no reason why the pair can’t continue to build and develop their understanding the longer they play together.

With Foden and Cherki playing together, Manchester City has a lethal combination in the final third.

The statistics that Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have produced this season tell part of the story of their form this season. Foden has scored ten goals and added four assists in 23 appearances in all competitions. Cherki has scored five goals and contributed eight assists in 19 appearances for Manchester City. Between them, they have scored fifteen goals and added twelve assists. Those are superb numbers from the duo. But they barely scratch the surface of Foden and Cherki’s impact together for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The pair have become the creative hub of this City team. Playing almost as a pair of number tens when they play together, Cherki and Foden give Pep Guardiola’s side a devastating one-two punch in the final third. The pair are both capable of splitting an opponent’s defence either with their ability to pick out a pass or by scoring goals. Foden and Cherki have also developed an understanding playing together. Often, they look for each other on the pitch, and their link-up play is a delight to watch unfold. The potent combination play between Cherki and Foden is a major weapon in Manchester City’s armoury, and it should only become more potent the more they play together.

There is another benefit of Cherki and Foden playing together.

When Kevin De Bruyne left Manchester City at the end of last season, a massive creative void needed to be filled in Pep Guardiola’s squad. Phil Foden has always seemed to be the heir apparent to De Bruyne’s throne. He has stepped into midfield this season and taken on more responsibility in this City side. With Rayan Cherki in the City lineup, it isn’t just Phil Foden’s job to fill the void left by De Bruyne’s departure. The pair have filled that void together and it has made Manchester City a much more dangerous proposition with the pair on form and playing together.

Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have developed an understanding playing together. It has grown and now they are a lethal weapon in City’s arsenal. Erling Haaland needs service to thrive, as does Tijjani Reijnders when he makes his forward runs. Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden are the ideal duo to find the pair. It will be fascinating to see how much better the Foden/Cherki combination can become as this season develops.