Rayan Cherki certainly has the quality as well as the confidence to take the Premier League by storm.
Thierry Henry called Cherki an “extraordinary player”, highlighting just how gifted the City new-boy is.
While Cherki’s vow to “kill” Manchester United to avenge Lyon’s heartbreaking 5-4 defeat in the second leg of last season’s Europa League semi-final shows how much he backs himself.
In an era where footballers are often accused of lacking a sense of uninhibitedness by how they approach the game and speak to the press, the French international is a breath of fresh air.
Rayan Cherki says Pep Guardiola told him he is ‘free’ when he has the ball
Speaking to reporters, Rayan Cherki revealed that Pep Guardiola told him that when he has the ball, he has the freedom to do as he pleases via the Daily Mail: “I spoke with Pep about my position on the pitch and we spoke about what I enjoy when I’m on the pitch. It’s very good for me. He told me he loves a number 10, but now I play all the positions in the pitch, it’s not complicated because I just want to play.”
Cherki added: “Pep told me, ‘when you have the ball, you are free’ which is very good for me because it’s my first quality to help the team.”
Ryan Cherki in action for Lyon.
Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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Guardiola’s promise to Cherki should worry Manchester City’s rivals such as Liverpool and Arsenal as when a creator of his calibre is given the freedom to roam across the park, they tend to cause mayhem.
The Catalan has perhaps recognised that much like Kevin De Bruyne, who was an outstanding creator, the 21-year-old also thrives when taking up across a variety of positions to work his magic.
Paul Pogba called Cherki a “phenomenon” and his latest heroics against Spain in the UEFA Nations League were reflective of why a player like him demands positional freedom; scoring a screamer from outside the box, assisting Randal Kolo Muani’s goal from the right flank and playing the pre-assist for Daniel Vivian’s own goal from a right-sided midfield position.
Geniuses such as De Bruyne and Lionel Messi have been given free reign by Pep Guardiola as they can turn a game on its head from virtually any position on the pitch.
Cherki wants to become Manchester City’s main man and he possesses the natural talent to do so, with Guardiola banking on him to play his natural game and wreak havoc on proceedings.
RAYAN CHERKI STATS LAST SEASON
STARTS 34
GOALS 12
ASSISTS 20
Considering the youngster amassed 12 goals and 20 assists in a struggling Lyon side last season, he could hit unprecedented heights in this Sky Blues side, which should worry Liverpool and Arsenal as he has the talent to succeed De Bruyne.
Rayan Cherki says he wants to win the Ballon d’Or at Man City
Cherki revealed Pep Guardiola told him Manchester City have everything in place for him to thrive: “When I spoke with Pep and he wanted me, he was very, very clear. That the system, the club, the city is very good. I want to win and I think City wants to win it all. For me, that’s better.”
The former Lyon starlet’s confidence shone through as he admitted to having his sights set on winning the Ballon d’Or: “When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here, it’s clear that with City it’s possible and I am here for this.”
“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne, he’s the [Manchester City] legend.”
Cherki also emphasised that he is at Manchester City to help the team, as it seems like he has the burning desire needed to become a truly elite player: “I’m here to help the team.”
“We have the best players in the world. I work and I wait my turn.”
Only time will tell whether Cherki and Pep Guardiola will be a match made in heaven but the signs look extremely encouraging.