Manchester City’s dream of winning the FIFA Club World Cup came to an end after they lost 4-3 to Al-Hilal.
In the lead-up to the contest, Simone Inzaghi lauded Pep Guardiola but the Italian tactician also managed to seek revenge for his former Inter Milan side’s defeat to City in the Champions League final.
When Rayan Cherki instantly impacted proceedings for Manchester City and assisted Phil Foden’s equaliser in the first-half of extra time with a stunning assist, it seemed like the Sky Blues were dead set to come out on top.
However, Pep Guardiola may decide to make more signings in the aftermath of the competition after witnessing his side crumble once again as Marcos Leonardo scored the winning goal soon after.
Pep Guardiola should have brought Rayan Cherki on earlier during Man City vs Al-Hilal
Ultimately, Guardiola cannot necessarily be blamed for Ederson Moraes’ poor showing as he parried the ball into Leonardo and Malcom’s path for two goals or Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji’s failure to track Kalidou Koulibaly as he netted a close-range header from a corner.
However, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola should have brought Cherki on way before extra-time to help put the game to bed against Al-Hilal.
Rayan Cherki with the ball at his feet during Manchester City vs Al Hilal
Photo by Qian Jun/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
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With the game tied at 2-2 before extra-time and Cherki being a defender’s nightmare, he could have provided a moment of magic, similar to his assist for Foden or his strike against Al-Ain after coming on.
Bernardo Silva was tasked to operate as a number 10 before the Frenchman’s introduction, a position where he has struggled to make much of a difference for years and unsurprisingly, he was ineffective on Tuesday as well.
The Portuguese international plays his best football as a central midfielder and considering Cherki came on against Al-Hilal, created a goal, constantly linked up his teammates and also conducted proceedings, Pep Guardiola’s decision not to substitute him on earlier looks baffling.
Guardiola praised Cherki’s “great vision” and his assist for Foden’s well-taken strike was reminiscent of Kevin De Bruyne in his pomp and seeing how he did not start in back-to-back games, it is also worth questioning why he was on the bench in the first place.
Rayan Cherki stats for Man City vs Al-Hilal in Club World Cup clash
However, what’s done is done and based on his displays at the Club World Cup, the 21-year-old has shown that he deserves to start in City’s Premier League opener against Wolves.
Pep Guardiola seems to love Cherki and he will realise that unless either him, Foden or even Omar Marmoush start in important games such as against Al-Hilal, Manchester City lack virtually any threat from central areas.
The stats show that the youngster’s cameo was top-class once again.
RAYAN CHERKI STATS VS AL-HILAL
ASSISTS 1
CHANCES CREATED 2
ACCURATE PASSES 31/38 (82%)
PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD 6
SUCCESSFUL DRIBBLES 1/1
Apart from his assist, Cherki created two chances in total, played six passes into the final third, misplaced seven out of his 38 passes and completed one dribble in what was a fearless display from him after coming off the bench.
Unfortunately for the former Lyon technician, the fruits of his labour were not rewarded as City crashed out of the competition.