- Bruno Fernandes has praised Rayan Cherki
- Man United captain wants him to keep his flair
- Cherki has brought something different to Man City
Rayan Cherki has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch at Man City, and Bruno Fernandes has now explained why the Frenchman should not change his game.
Despite criticism, Rayan Cherki’s impact at Man City has been undeniable. The Frenchman is joint second in the Premier League for assists (10) despite only starting 17 times this season.
The 22-year-old isn’t the safest player on the ball, but that is also what makes him dangerous. He is willing to take risks and produce moments only a few others can.
This has made him an entertaining figure in the English top-flight. Likewise, Bruno Fernandes also believes that he is good for the division.
Bruno Fernandes praises Rayan Cherki
Speaking in an interview with Gary Neville for Sky Sports, Fernandes claimed that Cherki shouldn’t lose his traits.
The Manchester United midfielder went on to say that he enjoys watching the Frenchman play. Fernandes also thinks that the Premier League needs more players like him.
“If Cherki stops with the things that he’s very good at, like skills, and going at players, having fun with the ball as he says – I really enjoy watching him play – if he stops with that, we’re gonna lose Cherki, the Premier League is not gonna have Cherki playing his best football,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.
He added: “For the Premier League to become better, you need players like him to do different things, to be a player that you go to the stadium, he’s made a pass, and everyone goes ‘ooooh’.”
“In the past, you had many players like this; now you’re having less and less because the managers want to be more careful.”
Rayan Cherki has justified Pep Guardiola’s faith
Despite popularising structured football, Guardiola himself is now working around the players at his disposal.
Unlike his rivals, who have become obsessed with structure, the Catalan manager’s faith in Cherki shows his adaptability.
Likewise, Cherki hasn’t failed to make use of the opportunities. The attacker has 7.83 xA, ranking in the top 1.6% of attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
He has also created 18 big chances, averaging 1.04 big chances created per 90. However, he’s also been dispossessed 30 times, which comes with the territory.
Cherki can be one of the keys to winning the league title
While Cherki might lose the ball more times than others in the final third, the same risk profile can also help City win the Premier League this season.
The Frenchman alone won’t be enough, but the Citizens have enough firepower up front to find the back of the net.
Cherki will be the provider, and Guradiola will be expecting the midfielder to step up again in the upcoming games.
With Arsenal six points clear and four goals ahead in GD, the Frenchman’s magic will be crucial to level terms with the Gunners.
If the Sky Blues can catch up with their title rivals, the GF difference should be enough to win the title this season.
