Manchester City are putting a lot of work in training and behind the scenes to ensure that last season is nothing more than a mere blip.
Manchester City have signed a number of top players this calendar year – some for the present and some for the future.
The likes of Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki have strengthened an already-strong squad.
As testament to the quality at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, Everton defender Jake O’Brien has now said one of City’s players is the most skilful he’s ever worked with.
Manchester City FC midfielder Rayan Cherki
Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Jake O’Brien says Rayan Cherki is the most skilful player he’s ever played alongside
The Republic of Ireland’s TikTok page has posted a video in which some of their internationals were asked about the most skilful footballers they’ve ever played alongside.
O’Brien went for Rayan Cherki, who he played alongside at Lyon during the 2023/24 season before joining Everton last year.
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“Talent-wise, probably Rayan Cherki,” O’Brien said. “At Lyon, he could just do crazy stuff with his feet.”
@ireland All I’ll say is wait for Will Smallbone’s answer 😂😅 #ireland #irelandfootball #coybig ♬ original sound – Nostalgia Reviver
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How Rayan Cherki fared on his Manchester City debut
It’s important to mention that Pep Guardiola didn’t exactly use Cherki in the right position against Wydad AC.
Cherki was utilised as a false nine, when he really should have played as an inverted winger as he normally does.
Statistic Number
Touches 35
Accurate passes 20/27 (74%)
Key passes 1
Crosses (accurate) 0 (0)
Long balls (accurate) 0 (0)
Shots on target 0
Shots off target 0
Shots blocked 0
Dribble attempts (successful) 2 (1)
Ground duels (won) 3 (2)
Aerial duels (won) 1 (0)
Possession lost 10
Fouls 0
Was fouled 1
Clearances 1
Rayan Cherki stats vs. Wydad AC (Sofascore)
The France international wasn’t exactly poor, but he was outshone by the likes of Phil Foden and fellow debutant Tijjani Reijnders.
The media’s reaction to Cherki’s display was quite mixed, while City fans acknowledged that Cherki wasn’t used in his usual position and are keen on giving him time.