A dynamic duo loom as a lethal weapon for Manchester City | OneFootball

The prospect of Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki starting alongside each other for Manchester City is a mouthwatering one. It is hard to think of two players blessed with the level of technical ability and flair that the pair possesses. Foden is one of the biggest talents in the English game. He is blessed with superb technical ability, and as he matures as a player, he is becoming a prominent player in the City midfield. Rayan Cherki arrived at Manchester City as one of the most skilled players in world football. Injury caused Cherki to have a delayed start to his City career, but he showed a glimpse of what he could become at City against Swansea.

The thought of what Cherki and Foden could be together on the pitch is an exciting one to ponder. Based on what Pep Guardiola has said ahead of Manchester City’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, it is a combination we could see on the pitch relatively soon.

Pep Guardiola is confident that Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden can play together for Manchester City.

Speaking during his pre-game press conference ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola was asked if he believed that Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki could play together. The City manager said he believed the pair can, but it depends on who his team plays. Guardiola explained: “Of course, it’s a real option during the season to play them together (Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden), like Omar and Erling. As much as it’s good to have an alternative, you have to realise what you need to play in the Premier League.”

“Some opponents and their physicality, especially the first half against Villa, we saw it perfectly.”

“We weren’t solid enough to sustain it; they will learn, the effort from Phil and Rayan.”

“I’m not going to ask the players to not play a [certain] way, but there’s a minimum to sustain the team; otherwise, you create problems.”

Could Pep Guardiola unleash Cherki and Foden against Bournemouth?

As a combination, Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki have the potential to be devastating for Manchester City. Their games do appear suited to playing together. Their talent is undeniable, and their ability to interchange positions could be a nightmare for Manchester City’s opponents to contend with. As Pep Guardiola explained, what his team needs against a specific opponent may dictate when Foden and Cherki play together. Today’s match against Bournemouth could allow Guardiola to unleash the pair.

Andoni Iraola’s side is a team that plays attractive, possession football. They are physically strong, but they are a team that Manchester City could get at, given the styles that the Cherries, and Manchester City play with. Cherki and Foden could be key in unlocking a stubborn Bournemouth defence today. Bournemouth have been in strong form to start the new season. Defensively, they have been solid, although they can be got at. They’ve conceded 11 goals in their opening nine Premier League matches this season. The creativity of Foden and Cherki, and their ability to split open a match, could trouble Andoni Iraola’s side at the Etihad.

Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden have the makings of a dynamic duo in the final third for Manchester City. Their game’s appear suited to playing together and they could be lethal in the final third together with the goals they score and create for their teammates. Today’s match could be the first time the pair start together in the Premier League and if they do start at the Etihad, they could have a key role to play in an important Premier League fixture.