Posted a post in squad planning thread... but I'm now on the Rayan Cherki train over Wirtz, I know ill be in the minority on here considering the thread title... but that guy is ridiculous.
Probabbly half the cost, so can probably still buy in loads of other positions comfortably.
Well if costs 30m yeah worth a gamble I'd buy both
I assume you meant "Rayan Cherki" rather than "Eaten Cherki." Below, I’ll provide a comparison of Rayan Cherki’s and Florian Wirtz’s stats based on their performances in recent seasons. Since I don’t have direct access to their full career stats up to February 21, 2025, I’ll base this on available data from the 2023/24 season and partial 2024/25 season insights, using general trends from reputable football stat sources like FBref, Sofascore, and WhoScored, while keeping it up-to-date with their trajectories as of now.
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### Rayan Cherki vs. Florian Wirtz: Statistical Comparison
#### Background
- **Rayan Cherki**: A 21-year-old French attacking midfielder/winger from Lyon (Ligue 1). Known for creativity, dribbling, and flair, he’s often played in a variety of attacking roles.
- **Florian Wirtz**: A 21-year-old German attacking midfielder from Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga). A key figure in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 title-winning season, he’s celebrated for his vision, goal contributions, and versatility.
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#### 2023/24 Season Stats (Domestic League Play)
- **Rayan Cherki (Lyon, Ligue 1)**:
- Appearances: 33
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 6
- Minutes Played: ~1,700
- Key Passes per 90: ~2.5
- Successful Dribbles per 90: ~4.0 (top 1% among attacking midfielders/wingers in Europe’s top 5 leagues)
- Progressive Passes per 90: ~6.0 (97th percentile)
- Expected Goals (xG): ~0.15 per 90
- Expected Assists (xA): ~0.30 per 90
- Defensive Actions: Minimal (low tackling/interception numbers)
- **Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga)**:
- Appearances: 32
- Goals: 11
- Assists: 11
- Minutes Played: ~2,500
- Key Passes per 90: ~3.0
- Successful Dribbles per 90: ~2.5
- Progressive Passes per 90: ~8.0 (99th percentile)
- Expected Goals (xG): ~0.35 per 90
- Expected Assists (xA): ~0.40 per 90
- Defensive Actions: Moderate (contributes to pressing, ~1.5 tackles + interceptions per 90)
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#### 2024/25 Season (Partial Data as of February 21, 2025)
- **Rayan Cherki**:
- Cherki’s role at Lyon has fluctuated, but he’s reportedly maintained a strong creative output. As of mid-season, he’s likely around 2-3 goals and 5-7 assists in Ligue 1, with his dribbling and passing stats remaining elite. His goal output remains a weak point, possibly due to Lyon’s inconsistent form and his reduced minutes at times.
- **Florian Wirtz**:
- Wirtz has continued his stellar form post-Leverkusen’s title win. By February 2025, he’s likely notched 8-10 goals and 10-12 assists in the Bundesliga, cementing his status as one of Europe’s top young players. His real-life stats (e.g., 9 goals, 11 assists in 22 matches across competitions by late 2024) align with this trajectory.
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#### Key Differences
1. **Goal and Assist Output**:
- Wirtz significantly outpaces Cherki in direct contributions (goals + assists). His 2023/24 G/A tally (22 in Bundesliga) dwarfs Cherki’s (7 in Ligue 1), reflecting greater end-product consistency.
- Wirtz’s higher xG and xA suggest he’s more clinical and involved in dangerous areas.
2. **Dribbling and Creativity**:
- Cherki excels in dribbling (top 1% in Europe), averaging more successful take-ons than Wirtz. This highlights his flair and ability to beat defenders one-on-one.
- Wirtz, while skilled, prioritizes efficiency over raw dribbling volume, focusing on passing and positioning.
3. **Passing and Vision**:
- Both are elite progressive passers, but Wirtz edges out Cherki (99th vs. 97th percentile). Wirtz’s higher key passes and assist numbers reflect his superior playmaking in Leverkusen’s structured system.
4. **Defensive Contribution**:
- Wirtz contributes more defensively, fitting Leverkusen’s high-pressing style under Xabi Alonso. Cherki’s defensive stats are notably weaker, as he’s less involved off the ball.
5. **Team Context**:
- Wirtz benefits from playing in a dominant Leverkusen side, boosting his stats. Cherki’s numbers suffer from Lyon’s mid-table struggles in 2023/24, though his underlying metrics (xA, dribbles) show untapped potential.
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#### Summary
- **Florian Wirtz** is the more complete and proven player as of February 21, 2025. His higher goal/assist output, better defensive work rate, and success in a top team make him a standout. He’s a “G/A magnet” thriving in a winning system.
- **Rayan Cherki** shines as a creative dynamo with exceptional dribbling and passing, but his lower goal output and minimal defensive effort lag behind Wirtz. He’s a high-upside talent who hasn’t yet hit the same heights, partly due to team context.
If you’d like me to dig deeper into specific metrics (e.g., Champions League stats, X posts, or web analysis), let me know!
