Rayan Cherki continues to impress at Manchester City. And his trainer Enzo Maresca is full of praise for him. Asked about the qualities of the French international (18 caps), the Italian technician did not hesitate to place him among the best players on the continent, on one condition: that he plays in the right areas. “I think Rayan Cherki is currently one of the best players in the world when he is in the right position”he said, before clarifying his thoughts. According to him, the former Lyonnais becomes particularly formidable when he receives the ball between the lines or in the opponent’s area. Maresca notably took as examples his goals against Liverpool and his last achievement against AEK Athens, two similar actions which illustrate his technical quality in small spaces. “If we can keep him in this area, and between the lines, I think he’s one of the best players in Europe”he insisted.
But the Cityzens coach also identified an area of progress in his player. Very attracted to the ball, Cherki sometimes tends to dezone to participate more in the game, at the risk of losing his influence in the most dangerous zones. “Sometimes, as he likes to move and have the ball, he is out of position, but when he is well placed he is a real asset”explained Maresca, who wants to find the right balance without restricting his creativity. “Statistically speaking, he’s fantastic. He creates chances. He loves the ball, he wants the ball. It’s a quality that I don’t want to take away from him. We’re lucky he’s with us. »
