An exciting Manchester City playmaker needs time to make an impact | OneFootball

One of the bigger disappointments from a Manchester City point of view to begin this season was the thigh injury sustained by Rayan Cherki. The French international is set to be out of action for two months due to the injury he suffered before Manchester City’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month. Of all of Manchester City’s summer signings, Cherki is perhaps the most exciting. With his prodigious technical ability and penchant for producing the unexpected, if Cherki fulfils his potential, he could become one of the world’s best playmakers playing under Pep Guardiola.

For Cherki to become that player, he will need time to develop. In an interview with mancity.com, Manchester City’s new director of football has explained that Cherki needs time to grow at City. When fit, the French international will be expected to contribute to Pep Guardiola’s side. But it may take a season or two for Manchester City to see the very best from Rayan Cherki.

Hugo Viana is excited by the potential of Rayan Cherki and what he brings to Manchester City.

Speaking on the signing of Rayan Cherki, Hugo Viana explained that Cherki will need to improve as a player. Viana added that the step up from playing for Manchester City after playing in Ligue One for Lyon is a sizable step up. Viana said that this season is key for Cherki’s development. But he added that Cherki is a signing for the future, as well as now. Speaking on the signing of Cherki, Viana explained: “Cherki is young, he is a really good talent. He has to improve, and he will improve for sure. He comes from France, from Lyon, and it’s not the same to play for Manchester City in the Premier League, which is really demanding.”

“This season will be really important for his development. But he’s young and we really look positively in his development for the next years.”

Hugo Viana’s explanation of Rayan Cherki and his talent is on the money.

At 22 years old, Rayan Cherki has yet to enter the prime of his career. His exploits with Lyon have established him as one of the more promising attacking midfielders in football. If Cherki continues on the path he is on as a player, Manchester City will have a potential Ballon d’Or winner on their hands.

But Cherki isn’t the finished product as a player yet. As Hugo Viana explains, he has a lot to learn to further his game. That is to be expected from a player so young. The French international is in the right environment to blossom as a player. He is surrounded by quality players whose best attributes should suit the strong suits in Cherki’s game. Playing under Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff should also see Cherki further develop. But it will take time for Cherki to adjust to life at Manchester City. The fact that he is currently injured is frustrating as the more he is on the pitch, the quicker he can grow as a player.

Rayan Cherki has the potential to become a top-level player for Manchester City. But as Hugo Viana explained he needs time to grow and develop. When he returns from injury Cherki will be expected to contribute to Pep Guardiola’s side. But we may not see the very best of Cherki for some time and that is perfectly fine given his age, talent and potential.