On another day, Rayan Cherki would have been widely credited for helping Manchester City stage a potentially heroic comeback after assisting Phil Foden’s late strike against Al-Hilal as the game was tied at 3-3.
But in the second half of extra-time, Marcos Leonardo tapped home the winner for Simone Inzaghi’s side as the Saudi Pro League clinched a 4-3 victory and booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Pep Guardiola substituted Cherki on against Al-Hilal but the Catalan perhaps made an error by reserving one of his biggest difference-makers until the start of extra-time.
The Frenchman was a livewire after coming off the bench but unfortunately for the Manchester City boss, his side were still knocked out of the competition.
Rayan Cherki was in tears as he hugged Pep Guardiola after Man City vs Al-Hilal
Considering Rayan Cherki started just one game at the Club World Cup, he would have been hoping to lead Manchester City into the quarter-finals after beating Al-Hilal and play a more starring role in the tournament.
Pep Guardiola revealed he rates Cherki highly but perhaps the two-time treble-winner believes he still has plenty to learn tactically before becoming a consistent starter in his side.
Pep Guardiola alongside Pep Lijnders during Manchester City vs Al-Hilal
Photo by Martín Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
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In the aftermath of the contest, the former Lyon midfielder was visibly distraught, as he was in tears after embracing the City tactician.
Cherki has lofty ambitions at Manchester City to become their match-winner and seeing them lose to Al-Hilal seems to have stung him, with Pep Guardiola consoling the silky technician after the game.
Rayan Cherki should be the first name on Man City’s team sheet
However, Guardiola would have learned that it is high-time that the youngster is entrusted to arguably become the first name on City’s team sheet after his latest cameo.
Cherki created two chances, provided one assist, played six passes into the final third, completed a dribble and recorded a pass accuracy of 82% minutes against Al-Hilal, as Pep Guardiola would have been delighted with the Manchester City new-boy’s showing.
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
The highly-rated attacker is the only player in the Sky Blues’ squad who can create chances from central areas on a consistent basis.
With Cherki being the match-winner he is, Pep Guardiola should believe in him to start regularly as he is far too good to be used as a mere impact substitute.