Rayan Cherki has slowly become the centrepiece of Manchester City’s game. The French playmaker is no longer just a substitute, but a game-changer. Since early November, Pep Guardiola has begun to place his full trust in Cherki. He has consistently played for more than an hour and started eight of his last nine Premier League matches.
The decision proved to be the right one. Manchester City returned to winning ways and revived their Premier League title hopes, having fallen behind Arsenal.
22-year-old Cherki’s contribution is palpable. 6 assists and 3 goals in his last 11 games across all competitions demonstrate his impact on the pitch. He has played 28 games for City and scored 7 while providing 11 assists since he joined the Citizens. Cherki has the Most 4th goal involvements by Premier League players across all competitions this season with 16.
Also Read: FIFA WC 2026 Ticket Backlash: 17,000 Seats Pulled Amid Fan Protest
Cherki is decisive again against Newcastle
His statistics speak for themselves. In just over 15 minutes on the pitch, Cherki completed 14 of his 15 passes, attempted four shots, touched the ball four times in the opposition’s penalty area, and had three shots on target, scoring one goal. Impressive efficiency that illustrates his ability to turn a match around at any moment.
The evening wasn’t entirely smooth sailing, however. After the final whistle, Pep Guardiola had a heated exchange with his player. True to form, the Spanish coach spent a long time explaining certain choices and positioning, pointing to several areas of the pitch. Cherki, all smiles, listened and tried to justify himself. Guardiola, who has already spoken of his “ambivalent” feelings towards him, continues to demand more, particularly defensively.
Creativity from Open Play
Cherki has registered 7 assists in the Premier League since the start of November, more than any other player in the same period. What makes it special is that all of these assists came from open play. Not a single one came from a set piece, a clear indicator of creativity.
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Wilson are indeed close to matching that assist record. However, both are playing as set-piece takers. Cherki is different; he creates chances from tight spaces, through vision, ball control, and the courage to take risks in dangerous areas.
Rayan Cherki’s Transformation with Man City
Guardiola gave Cherki the ball in the most crucial areas. He was free to move, not confined to one side of the pitch. He could be on the right, left, or central flank. In the match against Nottingham Forest, Cherki scored the winning goal. However, his assist for the opening goal was more a reflection of his quality. His three chances in the match came from central positions, all of them via sharp through balls. Since the start of November, no Premier League player has completed more through balls than him. This statistic underscores his role as a key creator.
Also Read: Burnley’s 12-Game Premier League Winless Run Explained
The duo of Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden
Cherki’s arrival also coincided with a change in the team’s dynamics. The match against Bournemouth was a turning point, as he and Phil Foden started together for the first time. Since then, City have won seven of their eight matches in all competitions. Their season, which had been shaky, has now found its form again.
While City previously relied entirely on Erling Haaland’s prowess, they now have another dimension. Rayan Cherki is a symbol of that change.
FAQs
1. Who is Rayan Cherki, and what role does he play at Manchester City?
Rayan Cherki is an attacking midfielder who has become a central creative force for Manchester City, operating across multiple attacking zones.
2. How has Rayan Cherki changed Manchester City’s attacking style?
Cherki has added creativity from open play, breaking compact defences through dribbling, vision, and through balls rather than relying on set pieces or crosses.
3. What are Rayan Cherki’s key statistics this season?
He has recorded 7 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, including 6 assists and 3 goals in his last 11 matches, ranking among the Premier League’s top contributors.
4. Why has Pep Guardiola trusted Cherki more since November?
Pep Guardiola has increasingly relied on Cherki due to his efficiency, creativity in central areas, and ability to influence matches in limited minutes.
5. How did Cherki perform against Newcastle United?
Against Newcastle United, Cherki produced a decisive cameo, scoring a goal, registering three shots on target, and completing 14 of 15 passes in just over 15 minutes.
