After all the excitement surrounding Rayan Cherki’s debut for Manchester City against Wydad AC, it’s safe to say that the Frenchman had a quiet outing.
Gael Clichy has called Cherki a “tactical weapon” and while there is no disputing how gifted the 21-year-old is, he was on the periphery of things at the Lincoln Financial Field.
The youngster’s first touch was sloppy, he lost the ball on several occasions and overall, just had a game to forget as Pep Guardiola took him off after 60 minutes.
Cherki’s display against Wydad garnered criticism from outlets in the media as well.
Rayan Cherki in action for Manchester City v Wydad AC at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Pep Guardiola defends Rayan Cherki after Man City beat Wydad AC
To be fair to Rayan Cherki, it would be harsh to jump to conclusions about how he fits in at Manchester City as his outing against Wydad AC was his first game under Pep Guardiola.
Erling Haaland joked about his debut against Liverpool but at the time, the Norwegian striker’s underwhelming display was widely slated before he went on to emphatically silence his detractors.
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Despite Cherki recording 35 touches against Wydad, just three more than Ederson (32), Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola told journalist Zach Lowy that he has full faith in him: “Well, of course, Kevin is difficult to replace, we know that for the quality he has, no doubt about that but at the same time, the club decided for Rayan, he has incredible skills close to the box, great vision, passing, many, many things and it’s just the first game in tough, tough conditions.”
“And I’m really pleased that he’s here.”
Rayan Cherki frustrated Pep Guardiola on Man City debut
However, Cherki frustrated Pep Guardiola as he tried a few flicks against Wydad AC that eventually led to the Manchester City midfielder being dispossessed.
Journalist Jack Gaughan wrote: “[Jeremy] Doku later fluffed his lines when clean through, a chance owed to Rayan Cherki’s pressing on a debut that didn’t offer too many clues as to how his move will pan out.”
“Guardiola seemed occasionally exasperated with the Frenchman for little flicks which lost cheap possession, yet City knew that is the sort of flair they bought from Lyon.”
However, Pep Guardiola seems to admire Cherki and over the time, they have the potential to be a match made in heaven.