- Pep Guardiola highlights Rayan Cherki’s standout trait
- Comparison was made with a Man City star
- The manager also hinted at the player’s City future
Pep Guardiola has praised Rayan Cherki’s exceptional talent, highlighting a rare attribute that sets him apart at Manchester City.
Rayan Cherki has arguably been one of the best signings for Man City from last summer. The player recently made another statement performance in the Sky Blues’ 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool.
Making his involvement in two goals, Cherki ended the game with only one assist. However, his contributions in the game were undeniable for City’s success.
Two through balls to Antoine Semenyo directly resulted in a goal, with one a direct assist and the other finding the back of the net after going through Erling Haaland.
The Frenchman also completed the joint most successful dribbles (3/3) in the game, alongside Florian Wirtz and Nico O’Reilly, highlighting his creative flair.
Following his performances throughout the season, Guardiola commented on the winger’s standout trait and compared him to one of their star playmakers.
Pep Guardiola impressed by Cherki’s best trait
The City manager has never tried to hide his impression of Cherki. In the past, the Spanish manager has commented multiple times on the player’s skills in the final third.
This time, however, Guardiola took a different route and highlighted a key trait that many fans miss, which he claims is what he looks for in players.
“I’m really surprised, he’s one of the most unbelievable talented players I’ve ever seen. Hopefully he can stay [at ManCity] for longer because he has the attributes to be a player for a top, top team”, Guardiola told the press.
“The attribute that he has is difficult to find; it’s the same as Bernardo. In difficult moments, in a lot of pressure, it’s like a friendly game [for him], it doesn’t matter.”
“As a manager, when I speak to Sport Directors, it’s the biggest attribute I would like to find”, the manager concluded.
Filling up the creative gap at Man City
Cherki might not be peak Kevin De Bruyne, but the midfielder’s departure last summer was a point of worry for the club.
Nevertheless, the Frenchman has definitely helped the Cityzens fill the gap to a certain extent. The 22-year-old winger is the joint second-highest assist provider in the Premier League.
Both Jarrod Bowen and Cherki have assisted eight times this season, more than any right-wingers in the English top-flight.
The French winger has also averaged 1.03 big chances created per 90. This stat ranks him in the 100th percentile of all right-wingers in the Premier League.
Cherki will need to play his magic against Chelsea
Today’s game against Chelsea will provide the right platform for Cherki to play his magic again. Guardiola’s men have eight games left in the Premier League, and a win in each is the prerequisite for title contention.
Last time City faced the Blues, a 1-1 draw was played out at the Etihad in January. Cherki wasn’t at his best, but he didn’t shy away either.
The Frenchman made the most touches in the opposition box (10) and had the third highest passes in the final third (8).
A loss today at Stamford Bridge isn’t an option, and Guardiola will be counting on his right winger to help the team.
