In a season where set-pieces were the talk of the town, Rayan Cherki made a name for himself in his debut season in English football by making games interesting.
After a spell at Manchester City, Cherki established himself as a regular in Pep Guardiola’s side and has become one of the Premier League’s most exciting players.
Cherki served as a throwback at a time when football systems and tactics seemed to be becoming more rigid. He combines talent and risk-taking into the final product, which makes him one to watch. He is second only to Erling Haaland in terms of goal contributions at the Etihad this season.
Jamie Carragher described the France international as a “maverick” at the start of the season, and that sums up what he brings to Guardiola’s side. The famous coach may occasionally roll his eyes at some of the tricks his new players pull off, but he can’t help but praise him.
I feel that Cherki is the unique footballer of our time. Many people grew up admiring players such as Ronaldinho, Neymar and Lionel Messi, but few play alongside those stars like the former Lyon player. However, the 22-year-old believes there is still room for a player in his mold.
“Nowadays, people who come to the stadium want to see players who produce a lot,” Cherki told Sky Sports.
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Jamie Carragher says Rayan Cherki has emerged as a true “maverick” for Manchester City, comparing his creativity to club legends David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne in his Monday Night Football analysis of Manchester City.
“Today, if I want to do a backheel, a rabona, a sombrero flick, a long-range shot, I can be who I want to be.
“Don’t be shy, just try, because in today’s football you can’t succeed at everything. But you’re more likely to succeed if you try than to say it.”
“I don’t want football to become a normal sport or get less attention. I want people who are not so passionate about football to say to themselves that football is a sport that brings a lot of emotions.”
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Jamie Carragher explains how Rayan Cherki dribbled past four Arsenal defenders to score Manchester City’s opening goal and shares his moment of brilliance.
“It’s a sport that makes you forget about your problems. I’m on the pitch trying to help the team win, be decisive and win as many games as possible, and there’s a lot of fun in that.
“Tackles are also part of the fun. (Abdukkodir) Kusanov, Marc (Guehi), Matheus (Nunez), Rayan (Aito Nouri) and even Nico (Gonzalez), they recover amazingly and make tackles on the pitch.”
“It’s a form of art and a way of loving football. Today, I think we have the right to continue on this path to make football even richer than it is now.”
“Soccer is my whole life and being a football romantic is a part of me. I have no intention of quitting that.”
“The attacker does not defend as well as the defender, and vice versa.”
He may already be one of the most ball-savvy players in the Premier League, but the demands of playing under Josep Guardiola have forced Cherki to adapt to taking on more defensive responsibilities.
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Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola says he wants simplicity from Rayan Cherki after Labona provided a brilliant assist for Phil Foden’s goal against Sunderland.
While this may limit their creativity for some, the Frenchman was very clear with a quick breakdown of what was required of him outside of possession.
“I think I have to help the team as much as I can,” he added. “Strikers don’t protect like defenders and defenders don’t attack like strikers, that’s for sure.
“Today we have to bear in mind that every team has extraordinary resources. Erling (Haaland), myself, Antoine (Semenyo), Phil (Foden), Omar (Marmouche), Jeremy (Doc), we are all doing our best to serve the team defensively. Sometimes we may defend a little less, but it’s the same.”
“We are not going to ask Kusanov, Marc and Ruben (Diaz) to attack the way they want to attack. So it’s good to find a middle ground. And once you feel good, you will understand the effort you have to make.”
There is no doubt that working as a team is a must for any of Guardiola’s teams. Catalan Cherchi has been at times criticized for stunting the development of Flair players such as Jack Grealish, but has spoken positively about working with his new boss.
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Rayan Cherki gives Man City the lead against Arsenal in the Premier League.
“I’ve learned a lot from Pep so far, because we’re learning every day. We’re seeing new things every day,” he said.
“I think it’s his love for football and the dedication he brings to his job every day. Even if it’s perfect, he still strives to be better and that’s similar to me.”
“That’s why I get along so well with Pep, because even when I’m playing well, I always try to find the little negative points to make my game even better. It’s in those areas that I think he’s exceptional.”
Watch Manchester City v Brentford live on Sky Sports on Saturday 9th May. Kickoff at 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9th 5pm
5:30pm kickoff
