Manchester City want to get maximum damage out of their French marvel | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki has had an impressive debut season for Manchester City. In 36 appearances in all competitions, Cherki has scored nine goals and added ten assists. Outside of his goal contributions Cherki has quickly adapted to Pep Guardiola’s principles when his team has possession. Often, Rayan Cherki is the glue to City’s possession play as he drifts all over the pitch to link up City’s play. Speaking yesterday, Pep Guardiola shared that he is pleased with Rayan Cherki’s performances this season. But he made a point of saying that he wants Cherki to play closer to Erling Haaland to maximise the damage that Cherki can cause to Manchester City’s opponents.

Pep Guardiola wants Rayan Cherki to do his best work in the final third.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference yesterday ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, Pep Guardiola explained that he wants Cherki playing off Erling Haaland rather than drifting into midfield. This way, Manchester City can get the full benefit from Rayan Cherki’s prodigious talent. Guardiola explained: “I always want Rayan to give his talent to us but only I ask him to play ten metres up front. The talent close to Rodri, I don’t care, be close to Erling. How come the first goal, for him close to [Erling].”

“How come the assist from Cherki to Rayan Ait-Nouri at Leeds? Close to the box.”

“Live there, whatever you want but live close to there because he’s unique. This is all I ask. He likes to go a little bit deep, but he’s young and the numbers and impact in the first season here have been massive.”

Rayan Cherki has so much more to offer Manchester City as he grows into his role in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Pep Guardiola wants to see Rayan Cherki do his best work in the final third for Manchester City. In Cherki’s debut season for the club, we have seen this from the French international. Cherki has contributed crucial goals and assists, and he so often plays the pass that unlocks Manchester City’s opponents for his teammates to prosper. What has also stood out is that Cherki isn’t afraid to lead the way for his team when they have possession. The French international demands the ball as he always wants to make an impact for his team. Cherki’s personality and ability to not be flustered is an underestimated aspect of his game. It is Rayan Cherki’s fortitude that allows him to try and pull off passes and pieces of skill that other players can only dream of pulling off.

Pep Guardiola wants Rayan Cherki to do his best work in the final third. That is understandable. Rayan Cherki is a once-in-a-generation talent who can change a game with a flick of his feet. Manchester City need Cherki’s creativity in the final third, especially when they are faced with the defensive low blocks they regularly have to contend with. It takes a special pass or player to break down a stubborn defence and City have a player capable of such feats in Rayan Cherki. Guardiola wants his most creative player doing his best work where he can maximise the damage that Cherki can cause.

For me, Rayan Cherki has been superb in his debut season at Manchester City. The French playmaker has shown he has the talent and character to become a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. Pep Guardiola wants Cherki to do the most damage in the final third, and if Guardiola gets his wish, City will have a weapon in the final third that will be the envy of their rivals.