PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Manchester City returned to the Etihad Stadium for their first home match of the season against Tottenham Hotspur, buoyed by an unbeaten streak. This match also marked Rayan Cherki’s full debut. However, it turned into a disappointing day for City, as Tottenham secured an unexpected 2-0 victory with first-half goals from Brennan Johnson and João Palhinha.
Amid significant changes, the six-time Premier League champions are eager to revive their title challenge in the 2025/26 season, supported by a refreshed squad and a revitalized Pep Guardiola system. Following the departure of long-serving playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, City fans are hopeful that Cherki could emerge as a new star in their lineup.
The Frenchman joined from Olympique Lyon in July, impressing on his debut with a goal in City’s 4-0 win over Wolves. His performance earned him a starting role against Spurs. Guardiola was also pleased with Tijjani Reijnders, another new signing, who had a standout debut by scoring and assisting. However, the responsibility won’t be solely on other players to support stars like Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush; Cherki, known for his unpredictable style, is expected to adapt to Guardiola’s tactical demands. In this Player Spotlight feature, we delve into Cherki’s performance during his full debut.
Spotlight: Rayan Cherki
At just 22 years old, Cherki seems like an experienced player after making his senior debut at 16 with Lyon. Though he has that experience, he still embodies youthful exuberance. His style of play is captivating—he moves gracefully with the ball, tricking defenders, and strikes with precision reminiscent of the dynamic Eden Hazard. His goal against Wolves powerfully showcased this talent, as he struck effortlessly from 20 yards into the corner.
Questions remain about Cherki’s off-the-ball defensive work, a crucial requirement in Guardiola’s system. In his central No. 10 position behind Haaland, Cherki is expected to exploit spaces effectively while contributing to the team’s pressing efforts. His initial touch in the game showed his intent to advance quickly, attempting to set up Haaland on the edge of the box, although the opportunity was thwarted by Cristian Romero. Throughout the first half, Cherki had moments of involvement but struggled to make a significant impact.
Despite completing two tackles in the first half, his offensive contributions were minimal. His only attempt on goal was interrupted by an interception, although he did provide a lovely cross for Haaland, who unfortunately missed the target. As the second half began, he demonstrated his vision with a well-placed through ball that nearly brought City back into contention. Unfortunately, a poor pass from Haaland denied him a simple tap-in, leading to his substitution for Bernardo Silva just 54 minutes into the match, cutting his debut short.
Market Value Assessment
It’s still too early in Cherki’s City career to draw definitive conclusions. He needs time to adapt to life in the Premier League and settle into City’s playing style, which is notably fast-paced. Expectations shouldn’t be too high, as even top players like Mohamed Salah don’t shine every week; however, his debut goal was a positive indicator of his potential.
This performance signaled the need for Cherki to enhance certain aspects of his game, particularly his match fitness, before showcasing his full potential to fans. With a market value of €45 million, he appears to be a promising acquisition for City, having transferred for around €36.5 million this past summer—a significant discount from his market value. Cherki’s journey in Manchester has just begun, and he has made a solid start with encouraging signs for the future.
