There were glimpses of quality shown by Rayan Cherki in his Manchester City debut | OneFootball

Two of Manchester City’s new signings made their debuts for the club during their 2-nil win over Wydad AC yesterday at the FIFA Club World Cup. Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders were given their first starts by Pep Guardiola. In the case of Reijnders, he made a strong start to his career as a City player. The Dutch international controlled the midfield and showed how he will fit and what he brings to Pep Guardiola’s squad.

In the case of Cherki, he was more subdued during the hour he was on the pitch. But there were glimpses of quality from the French international and he showed brief snippets of what he will add to Manchester City’s play. He had some good moments on the ball and he also showed plenty off the ball before he was substituted.

Rayan Cherki played in a slightly unfamiliar position yesterday against Wydad AC.

At times during yesterday’s match at the Lincoln Financial Field, Rayan Cherki played as Manchester City’s most advanced attacking player. The French international was almost deployed as a false nine at times. Playing in such a role did limit the opportunities for Cherki to get on the ball after the game’s opening 20 minutes. But what impressed from Cherki playing in this role was his intelligent off-the-ball movement. His ability to drift into dangerous spaces did create space for Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush and Savinho to get into. That did stand out in Cherki’s play out of possession.

In terms of pressing, Cherki did put himself about when Wydad AC attempted to play out from the back. That side of his game has been questioned ahead of his arrival at Manchester City. But Cherki showed yesterday he can press, and press well. That did catch the eye. One moment in the 53rd minute led to a chance for Jeremy Doku which was saved by Mehdi Benabid in the Wydad goal.

On the ball, Rayan Cherki did have one moment of quality in the first half of yesterday’s match. He almost set up Phil Foden for his second goal of the match with a fine ball late in the first half. On occasions his interplay with Foden, Doku, Savinho and Marmoush was promising. But Rayan Cherki was also guilty of giving away possession in dangerous areas of midfield on occasions. One particular instance did lead to a Wydad AC counterattack. But that side of Cherki’s game should, and will, improve in time.

Pep Guardiola is pleased to have Cherki as a Manchester City player.

Speaking after yesterday’s match, Pep Guardiola told the media that he is happy to have Rayan Cherki as a member of his squad. When asked about Rayan Cherki’s debut, Pep Guardiola said: “Well, of course, Kevin is difficult to replace, we know that for the quality he has, no doubt about that but at the same time, the club decided for Rayan, he has incredible skills close to the box, great vision, passing, many, many things and it’s just the first game in tough, tough conditions. And I’m really pleased that he’s here.”

Rayan Cherki wasn’t brilliant by any stretch in his Manchester City debut yesterday against Wydad AC. But he did show glimpses of what he will add to Pep Guardiola’s squad in Manchester City’s FIFA Club World Cup Group G opener yesterday. Cherki has gotten his debut out of the way and now his Manchester City career is underway.