In a season where set-pieces have been the talk of the town, Rayan Cherki has made himself a household name in his debut season of English football by making the game fun.
After a settling-in period at Manchester City, Cherki has cemented himself as a regular in Pep Guardiola’s team and one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.
At a time where football has seemingly become more rigid in its systems and tactics, Cherki has acted as a throwback. He combines flair and risk-taking with end product that makes him a must-watch entity. He ranks only behind Erling Haaland for goal contributions for the Etihad outfit this term.
Jamie Carragher described the French international as a ‘maverick’ earlier in the season, which encapsulates what he brings to Guardiola’s team. While the famous coach may roll his eyes at some of the tricks his new star pulls off at times, he can’t help but admire him.
Cherki feels like a one of a kind footballer in the modern age. While many grew up idolising players such as Ronaldinho, Neymar and Lionel Messi, few play like a kindred spirit of those stars like the former Lyon man. However, the 22-year-old believes there is still room for more players of his mould.
“Today, people who come to the stadium, more and more they want to see players who create a lot of things,” Cherki told Sky Sports.
Jamie Carragher says Rayan Cherki has emerged as a true ‘maverick’ for Manchester City and compared his creativity to club legends David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne during his Monday Night Football analysis.
“If today, I think about doing a backheel, or a Rabona, a sombrero flick or a shot from distance, that allows me to be what I want to be.
“You shouldn’t refrain from it, try it. Because in football today, you’re not going to succeed at everything. But if you try, you’re more likely to succeed rather than just talk about it.
“I don’t want football to become a normal sport, or that it’s less watched. I want people who are less passionate about football to say themselves that it’s a sport that brings a lot of emotions.
Jamie Carragher breaks down how Rayan Cherki managed to dribble past four Arsenal defenders to score Manchester City’s opening goal, putting it down to a moment of brilliance.
“It’s a sport that allows you to forget the problems. I’m on the pitch to help the team win, to be decisive, to win as many games as possible – and there’s great fun in that.
“A tackle is also part of the fun. [Abdukodir] Khusanov, Marc [Guehi], Matheus [Nunes], Rayan [Ait-Nouri], even Nico [Gonzalez], they make extraordinary recoveries, they tackle on the pitch.
“It’s also a form of art, it’s also a way of loving football. I think today we have the right to continue on this path to make football even richer than it already is.
“Football is my whole life, and being a football romantic is part of me. I’m not going to stop being that.”
‘Attackers won’t defend like defenders – and vice versa’
While he may already be one of the most well-versed players in the Premier League on the ball, the demands of playing for Pep Guardiola has meant Cherki has had to adapt to having more defensive responsibilities.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he wants simplicity from Rayan Cherki after his stunning Rabona assist for Phil Foden’s goal against Sunderland.
While for some this may limit their creativity, the Frenchman was very clear in his simple breakdown of what is needed from him out of possession.
“I think you have to help the team as much as possible,” he added. “A striker doesn’t defend like a defender, and a defender doesn’t attack like a striker, that’s for sure.
“Today, you have to keep in mind that all the teams have extraordinary resources. Erling [Haaland], me, Antoine [Semenyo], Phil [Foden], Omar [Marmoush], Jeremy [Doku] – we all put ourselves at the service of the team defensively. At times, we may defend a little less, but it’s the same.
“We’re not going to ask Khusanov, Marc or Ruben [Dias] to attack like we want to attack. So, it’s a good middle ground to find. And once you’re in a good mood, you understand the efforts you have to make.”
The effort to work as a team is no doubt a pre-requisite for any Guardiola side. And while the Catalan native has at times been criticised for stunting the growth of flair players, such as Jack Grealish, Cherki has spoken positively of working with his new boss.
Rayan Cherki gives Man City the lead in their Premier League clash with Arsenal.
“There’s a lot of things I’ve learned from Pep so far, because every day we learn. Every day we see new things,” he said.
“I think it’s his love of football, the commitment he brings every day in what he does. Even when it’s perfect, he’ll still trying to get better, and that’s something that’s similar to me.
“That’s why I get on so well with Pep, because even when I play well, I’ll always try to find the little negative points that will make my game even better. It’s in those areas where I think he’s extraordinary.”
Watch Manchester City vs Brentford live on Sky Sports on Saturday May 9; kick off 5.30pm.
Saturday 9th May 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
