Being on the periphery at the World Cup may be what pushes a Manchester City playmaker on | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki was superb throughout his first season at Manchester City. After arriving at the club from Lyon last summer, Cherki contributed 10 goals and 15 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions. His ability to produce the spectacular and strong form for City saw Cherki selected by Didier Deschamps in France’s squad for this summer’s World Cup. Cherki did loom as a potential match-winner for the French.

However, competition in the French attack with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué in the way has been fierce for Rayan Cherki. Rather than being a consistent contributor at the World Cup, Cherki has barely featured at the tournament. Looking at Rayan Cherki’s experience at the World Cup, it could light a fire under him which could greatly benefit Manchester City.

Unfortunately for Rayan Cherki, the strength of the French attack has seen him spend the World Cup on the periphery of proceedings.

France entered the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the favourite to win the tournament. The strengths of their squad, particularly in the final third, made them short priced favourites to win the tournament. Outside of a tough 1-0 win over Paraguay in their Round of 16 tie, France have strolled through the World Cup. Their attack has been impossible to contain as Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise have starred during the competition. They also have Dembélé, Doué and Barcola who have had their moments in France’s run to the semi-final stage of the tournament where they will take on Spain.

Rayan Cherki had made five substitute appearances at the World Cup. In total, Cherki has only played 61 minutes. He has been used as a late substitute and hasn’t had the opportunity to make an impact for France. There is no shame in that for Cherki given that Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Barcola and Doué stand in his way. However, he would have liked to have played more often at the World Cup. While the lack of minutes in the tournament has been frustrating for Cherki, it may aid the cause of Manchester City when you look ahead.

Rayan Cherki could use his experience at the World Cup to take his game to another level for Manchester City.

At 22 years of age, Rayan Cherki is still a young player, despite it feeling like he has been around forever. The World Cup is his first experience of an international tournament. Yes, Cherki would have hoped to have played a more prominent role for France this summer. However, the experience of being around such a talented group of players should aid Cherki’s development. Cherki now knows the level required to be a key player for his country on the biggest stage.

That is where Manchester City could benefit. Rayan Cherki looms as an important player for Enzo Maresca’s side for next season and beyond. Cherki has seen first-hand what makes Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and others such dominant attacking forces. To become a regular starter for France, Cherki has to reach that level. He has the talent to achieve this goal. Perhaps spending the World Cup on the periphery of proceedings will light a fire under Cherki that will take his game to another level.

Rayan Cherki hasn’t had the opportunities he’d have liked on the pitch for France at the World Cup. However, there is time for Cherki to make an impact in the semi-final against Spain if needed. Looking ahead, Cherki could return to Manchester City determined to go up a level as a player in a bid to make himself a starter for his country. If that is what transpires, Cherki’s time at the World Cup could be to his, and Manchester City’s, benefit.