**Man City manager Pep Guardiola has urged Rayan Cherki not to come deep looking for the ball so often.**
The Frenchman played a starring role in City’s 3-0 win over Chelsea at the weekend, but speaking after the game, [**Guardiola**](https://mancitynews.com/man-city-news-pep-guardiola-title-verdict-2/) said he still has areas where he can improve:
“Rayan Cherki is an extraordinary talent. The problem from Rayan, and we talk a lot, is sometimes he plays in a position close to (Gianluigi) Donnarumma. Your talent has to be in the final third!”
“How good you are; winning games, assists, things that nobody can see, not even from the outside – so be there! Be close to (Erling) Haaland, the wingers, make your quality there, we’ll bring the ball to you. It’s not necessary to come down.”
Cherki’s 1st season in stats
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The 22-year-old has 9 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances for City so far this campaign. He has the second-most goal contributions in the first-team squad behind Erling Haaland.
Phil Foden (15), Nico O’Reilly (15), Jeremy Doku (14) and Tijjani Reijnders (14) all have fewer involvements than Cherki.
His Man City teammates clearly appreciate him
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Marc Guehi was awarded the Player of the Match award by _Sky Sports_ co-commentator Gary Neville for his display against Chelsea, but the defender decided to hand the prize to Cherki instead.
The Frenchman created the opener in the second half, with his cross from the right-hand side finding the head of Nico O’Reilly, who put the ball past keeper Robert Sanchez. His pinpoint pass also found Guehi for City’s second.
There were doubts about Cherki’s attitude and discipline following his £34m move from Lyon last summer, but he has won over all of the doubters. Guardiola is clearly keen for him not to rest on his laurels, though, going by his comments.
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