“Rayan is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my career… he is at the top”. Nobody missed Pep Guardiola's tirade on Rayan Cherki seven days ago. It was before the Champions League match against Villarreal, won 2-0 by the Citizens, and 2 days after the French international's return to the field against Everton. His entry at the end of the game, for 5 minutes of play, had also triggered a compilation of his hit balls which had delighted his fans. We therefore expected him to see a strong increase in playing time during the following matches.
Failure, since he was entitled to only 5 minutes against Villarreal. Maybe because the match was already over? Against Aston Villa on Sunday, Manchester City found themselves in difficulty and quickly trailed 1-0. The offensive line aligned by Guardiola, with Savinho and Bobb on the wings, did not convince, and yet, when the Spanish technician executed a triple first change in the 60th minute, he did not launch Rayan Cherki. The former Lyonnais finally set foot on the pitch a quarter of an hour from the end, without being able to influence the score of the match.
Haaland far too alone
On social networks, several Manchester City supporters are starting to stamp their feet and complain about Guardiola's choices. Sharper than ever, Cherki is biding his time, like many other offensive elements before him. Because for the moment, his English adventure is proving frustrating. However, she started well with a goal on the first day of the Premier League, against Wolverhampton. But his first start coincided with the first defeat, at home, against Spurs, then a thigh injury kept him away from the field from the end of August to the beginning of October.
Cherki should get more playing time this Wednesday during the English League Cup, with a trip to Swansea. To start a meeting and gain importance in the game of your new club. Because on Sunday, Aston Villa quickly understood that by locking out Erling Haaland, he made City harmless. Since the start of the season, the Norwegian has scored 11 goals. Cherki, with his goal on the first day, is the club's second top scorer, along with Foden, Reinjders and Nunes, also with 1 goal. More than ever, Guardiola needs to diversify his team's offensive threat. Especially since the schedule for the coming weeks promises to be very busy, with Bournemouth, Liverpool and Newcastle on the schedule in the Premier League.
