Manchester City looks to have discovered an unexpected leader in Rayan Cherki

Manchester City looks to have discovered an unexpected leader in Rayan Cherki What Rayan Cherki brings to this Manchester City side is by now well known. The 23-year-old French international is a creative force for Enzo Maresca’s side. So far this season, Cherki has scored six goals and added three assists in 13 appearances . Those are superb numbers for an attacking midfielder. The fact that Cherki can create and score goals isn’t a major surprise at all. His strengths as a player are by now well known and established. Rayan Cherki played an important role as Manchester City beat Brighton on penalties in their fourth round Carabao Cup tie earlier this week. However, it was another side of his game that caught the eye at the Etihad. The leadership that Rayan Cherki provided for Manchester City against Brighton was impossible to miss. Rayan Cherki played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s win over Brighton. The way Brighton press from the front does leave space in midfield if their press can be played through. Cherki thrived in this role throughout the Carabao Cup tie on Wednesday night. The French international played an important role for his team. He also set up Vitor Reis’ goal and Manchester City’s second when his free kick was turned home in the 72nd minute to make it 2-2. Outside of Cherki’s performance, his leadership stood out. Rayan Cherki assumed responsibility against Brighton. Enzo Maresca rotated his squad on Wednesday night. This meant that Cherki, Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic and Marc Guehi were the leaders on the pitch. In the case of Cherki, he did lift with the responsibility. Throughout the match, Cherki was seen directing his teammates on the pitch. He also assumed responsibility in the pre-match huddle, giving a speech before both teams assumed their positions. Both of these signs were pleasing to see. Also, in the penalty shootout, Cherki took, and converted, Manchester City’s fifth and final penalty. The French international assumed responsibility and showed there is more to his game than his dazzling play in possession. This was a major positive to come out of the match for Manchester City. Watching Cherki assume responsibility is a pleasing sign of his growth. Given that Rayan Cherki is only 23, there is plenty of scope for him to improve as a player. He is already one of the premier playmakers in the Premier League and in European football. When he becomes more consistent, he could become the best creative player in world football. Cherki is that good. None of that is a major revelation. It is just a case of simply stating the facts. What is also clear to see is that Rayan Cherki has the potential to become a leader for Manchester City. This is an unexpected development, but it shouldn’t be. Cherki thrives being on centre stage, and that is what leaders do. Cherki rose to the challenge against Brighton and it will fascinating to watch this aspect of his game grow. The fact that Cherki is already taking this step is pleasing to watch unfold. Rayan Cherki has begun to show that he has the ability to be a leader for Manchester City. He has displayed these tendencies at times during his time at City. Against Brighton, they were impossible to miss. It seems that Cherki’s all-round game is growing, which will be fascinating to track across this season and beyond.