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<p>PLAYER FOCUS</p>
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<p><img alt="Man City 0-2 Spurs: Rayan Cherki full debut analysis" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/rayan-cherki-spotlight-1755956689-175607.png" title="Man City 0-2 Spurs: Rayan Cherki full debut analysis"></p>
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<p>Manchester City hosted Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium for their first home game of the season, riding high on an unbeaten streak. This match also marked the full debut of Rayan Cherki. However, it was Thomas Frank's side that inflicted a surprising 2-0 defeat on City, with first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and João Palhinha.</p>
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<p>As Manchester undergoes significant changes, the six-time Premier League champions are eager to reignite their title pursuit in the 2025/26 season, equipped with a refreshed squad and a revitalized Pep Guardiola system. Despite the shock of losing their longtime playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, the emergence of Cherki provides hope for City fans, suggesting another potential star is on the horizon.</p>
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<p>Cherki, who joined from Olympique Lyon in July, made an impressive debut by scoring in a 4-0 victory against Wolves after coming off the bench. His performance evidently caught Guardiola's attention and earned him a starting spot against Spurs. Guardiola would have also been pleased with Tijjani Reijnders, who not only scored but assisted on his debut after arriving from AC Milan for €46m. However, the responsibility to support players like Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush doesn't rest solely on Reijnders. Cherki, considered a maverick, brings some risk as to whether he can adapt to Guardiola's expectations. In light of this, Cherki was the focus of our new Player Focus feature.</p>
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<h2>Player Focus: Rayan Cherki</h2>
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<p>At just 22, it feels like Cherki has been around for ages. This stems from making his senior debut at just 16 with Lyon, and he's been a regular ever since. The attacking midfielder embodies youthful exuberance, gliding across the pitch, evading defenders, and striking the ball with finesse reminiscent of Eden Hazard. His debut goal against Wolves— a simple yet brilliant low strike from 20 yards— showcases this talent.</p>
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<p><img alt="Player Focus: Rayan Cherki" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/player-focus-rayan-cherki-1755954755-175604.png?lm=1755954765" title="Player Focus: Rayan Cherki" width="503"></p>
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<p>There are valid concerns regarding Cherki's ability to press opponents off the ball, a fundamental requirement in a Guardiola system. His central No. 10 role behind Haaland demands quick movement into spaces and active contribution to pressing. Early in the match, Cherki demonstrated his attacking intent by collecting the ball at the edge of the box and attempting to set up Haaland, but Cristian Romero snuffed out the opportunity. After a few robust challenges, Cherki's influence waned in the final third as other players like Marmoush and Oscar Bobb sought to exploit wider areas.</p>
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<p>He completed two tackles in the first half, showing he was contributing defensively. However, his overall involvement was somewhat lackluster. His only chance came from a long ball that Djed Spence intercepted before he made a beautiful cross for Haaland, who unfortunately failed to convert. Cherki opened the second half with a precise through ball that nearly brought City back into the game but was denied by a poor pass from Haaland. Just 54 minutes into the match, Cherki's afternoon ended early as he was substituted for Bernardo Silva.</p>
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<p><img alt="Player Focus: Rayan Cherki quote" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/rayan-cherki-quote-1755955250-175606.png?lm=1755955274" title="Player Focus: Rayan Cherki quote" width="503"></p>
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<h2>Market Value Analysis</h2>
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<p>It's still too early in Cherki's City career to finalize any judgments. He needs time to adjust to life in England, adapt to the Premier League's pace, and integrate into the team dynamics. Consistent brilliance shouldn't be expected immediately, as even top players like Mohamed Salah don't shine every week. Nevertheless, his debut goal is a promising sign of his capabilities.</p>
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<p>This performance indicated areas for improvement, with fitness being a significant factor before fans witness Cherki's best form. His current market value of €45m suggests City got a favorable deal, having paid approximately €36.5m for him, indicating an €8.5m drop from his market value. Having only played two matches, Cherki has made a solid start, and there's little evidence to suggest his market value is inflated at this point.</p>
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