- Rayan Cherki was superb against Chelsea
- Assisted twice in Man City’s 3-0 win
- Pep Guardiola calls for improvement in one area
Rayan Cherki delivered another special performance for Manchester City on Sunday, but this has not been enough to prevent constructive criticism from his manager.
Nico O’Reilly headed Manchester City into the lead against Chelsea, but this was only possible thanks to a Rayan Cherki cross.
It was not long until the Frenchman bagged his second assist, crafting a sensational through pass to Marc Guehi.
This was yet another of Cherki’s brilliant displays and it is no wonder there are calls to hand him the player of the year award.
Rayan Cherki receives instructions from Pep Guardiola
Cherki’s most recent performance has earned him a lot of praise, with Pep Guardiola proving to be no exception.
However, the Catalan boss has pointed out that there is something Cherki keeps on doing which needs to change in order for him to truly showcase his talent.
He told Sky Sports: “Incredible numbers and quality in the first season in the Premier League! It’s something unique. Mum and dad gave him [Cherki] a talent, but a talent to play close to Haaland. And sometimes he plays close to Donnarumma, which is useless!
“What did Rayan Cherki do in the first half? He played close to me! Play close to Haaland, close to the wingers, attacking midfielders, and use the talent that mum and dad gave to you.
“And if he starts to learn that, he will become an extraordinary player. Because of his mindset and mentality. And after, when everything is going well, he tries to play a little bit [carelessly]. He has to learn to do what we have to do for 95 minutes,” Guardiola continued.
“But his work ethic, Rayan is unbelievable because he knows he’s not going to play one minute [if he does not work hard], [for example] knowing he doesn’t have the speed in the pressing like Antoine Semenyo, who is amazing.”
I have been with Sergio Aguero, for example, who was not the most incredible in high pressing – but he tried his best! I only ask for that! Do your best and you can do it because you have other qualities – every player has his own ability.”
Cherki’s second assist impressed Guardiola
It is clear that even though Guardiola has challenged Cherki, he is delighted by the way the 22-year-old is performing.
Cherki has vision and technique which really makes him stand out in Man City’s squad and this is the reason he has been such a regular starter.
These abilities were visible last Sunday, with Guardiola revealing that he would not have picked out the pass which his attacker played to Guehi.
He added: “Rayan [Cherki] has something special. For the second goal, his pass to Marc Guehi, not even myself being on the outside could see it! He’s a top, top, top talent.”
Cherki is building consistency
Despite Cherki’s obvious talents, he has gone large spells of the season without registering goal contributions.
Right now though, this is certainly not a problem, with the France international recording three assists in his past two matches.
Cherki is delivering moments which quite literally change games and this is what is putting him on course to becoming undroppable.
There are aspects of his game which could be improved, but this is the case with any player. Ultimately City are still in with a shot of winning the Premier League and without Cherki, this might not have been possible.
