- Ex-pro questions the hype around Cherki
- Makes comments after City’s win over Chelsea
- Cherki’s recent form sparks mixed reactions across Europe
Rayan Cherki’s recent performances for Manchester City have drawn widespread praise, but one former France international has offered a contrasting view.
Cherki was the star man against Chelsea as the playmaker garnered two assists at Stamford Bridge. Despite being quiet in the first half, the Frenchman certainly delivered in the second.
It is not surprising that after such performances, City fans are totally mesmerised by the magician, who can pick a pass out of nowhere.
Evidently, the attacker’s speciality is creation, and he already has 10 assists in the league this season. Nevertheless, not everyone in Europe is happy with the player. In fact, Cherki has received a jab from one of his own countrymen.
Christophe Dugarry isn’t happy with Cherki
FootMercato have reported comments from former French international Christophe Dugarry. The 1998 World Cup winner extensively criticised Cherki, especially when it came to his defensive contributions.
Duggary also compared him to some other highly talented playmakers on the market. Likewise, the former Birmingham City attacker’s main argument was regarding efficiency.
“Who is he different from? What is Cherki’s style? Are the others blind? Are they clowns? Who is this guy different from? Why should we treat him differently?” Duggary told Rothen s’enflamme.
“Is he better than Doué? Is he better than Barcola? Pep Guardiola said it, and he also explained that he needs to press more, and in modern football, that’s important”
Pep Guardiola has one problem with Cherki
Pep Guardiola is usually very protective of up-and-coming players. However, the Spanish manager did recently hint at some aspects of the Frenchman’s game that need improvement.
Guardiola is not asking Cherki to be an elite presser. However, the manager believes that Cherki can do more when it comes to this aspect of the game.
“He has to learn to play for 95 minutes, doing what we have to do. But his work ethic is unbelievable, knowing he doesn’t have the speed and pressing that Antoine Semenyo has”, Guardiola said
“I’ve been with Sergio Agüero… he was not an incredible high press player, but he tried his best, and all I ask is that.”
Duggary’s argument has some weight
| Metric | Rayan Cherki | Désiré Doué |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive contributions | 7.5+ | 3.22 |
| Tackles | 1.56 | 2.33 |
| Interceptions | 0.46 | 0.72 |
| Blocked shots | 0.07 | 0.09 |
| Fouls committed | 0.85 | 1.79 |
| Recoveries | 5.07 | 4.12 |
| Possession won (Final 3rd) | 0.98 | 1.25 |
| Dribbled past | 1.24 | 0.90 |
| Clearances | 0.39 | 0.09 |
| Clean sheets | 0.13 | 0.00 |
| Goals conceded (on pitch) | 0.85 | 0.99 |
| xG against (on pitch) | 1.15 | 0.84 |
Duggary is not shooting in the dark here. If we take Desire Doue, one of the mentioned players who plays in the same position as Cherki, the contrast is noticeable.
When it comes to tackles, interceptions and possession won in the final third, Man City’s number 10 is lacking a bit compared with Doue.
Cherki is not defensively weak, and Duggary’s argument is an overreaction. However, the stats support Guardiola’s point, indicating a lower impact in immediate pressing situations.
