10 | Rayan Cherki - 2025/26

[Alan Harper's Tash]

As I mentioned, I thought Cherki was losing the ball too much, not during attempted passes to create goals, but on basic passes and dribbles that would drive Pep crazy... and judging by Pep's comments about Cherki's performance after the game, I was right.

He does that with all new players, especially when we’ve won routinely.

 

[Phil1]

The harsher Pep is with public criticism the higher he rates the player.

He knows what he's got, he's just keeping his cards close to his chest.

 

[Mr HJ]

Agree with Phil1 - Pep must clearly see that his current form is just the tip of the iceberg. He seems more critical of Rayan than others - tonight not only did he score a wonder goal that completely opened the game for us, his little touches that put Tijjani and others into good positions were effortless. He is one player that seems to see things others don't and was quite rightly man of the match. I also love that you can see that influence helping Phil try things with confidence.

I didn't hear pep being critical of Rico for example when falling asleep on a couple of occasions that led them to attacking & when Tijjani lost the ball cheaply a few times in the middle so I guess that is the art of management - he must know Rayan can take being pushed as he has so much confidence in his ability.

 

[HolisticJim]

The harsher Pep is with public criticism the higher he rates the player.

He knows what he's got, he's just keeping his cards close to his chest.

I was just thinking exactly that. This is a repeat of early Foden where Pep would point things out.

Its a sign of how highly he rates him.

 

[supercity88]

Class

 

[dadnlad]

cherki has found Robbie Brewers boots

what a talent

 

[borassic]

le marginal

 

[Mid Wales blue]

Pep said the opposite; he singled him out for not working hard defensively.

It’s the way to try and get more out of a player, which Pep seems to do very well at. On the last 2 games it looks like it’s worked.

This player frightens the shit out of the opponents (as does Foden and Haaland ) we haven’t had this level of technical prowess since the treble with prime Foden, prime Kevin, and Haaland on fire!

 

[m20.mos]

Time to get carried away.

This lad is still only 22 and reminds me a bit of a raw KDB/Tevez type.

He’s only going to get better and hopefully will deliver consistency.

One of the first names on the team sheet at the moment.

 

[bluemoonste]

He's a genius maverick .... a marmite player. He's never gonna give the work rate Pep demands but he'll give you Balotelli, Kinkladze, Di Canio or Le Tissier and that'll do for me !

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

Thought it was quite noticeable in the first 15/20 how he was telling other players what to do and where to press. Encouraging to see for a young lad new to the club and country and who looked a bit quiet (and looks like he has a bit of a sulky face!)

As for the talent - you felt as soon as he wound up to strike it for his goal he'd bag. Such an intelligent player and I keep saying it - an absolute killer

 

[MCFCFanTX]

The giver of pleasure

 

[Beanhead]

Thought it was quite noticeable in the first 15/20 how he was telling other players what to do and where to press. Encouraging to see for a young lad new to the club and country and who looked a bit quiet (and looks like he has a bit of a sulky face!)

As for the talent - you felt as soon as he wound up to strike it for his goal he'd bag. Such an intelligent player and I keep saying it - an absolute killer

His ability is all there to see, with Messi in semi retirement, Chekhi stands out as one of the best technical players on the plant. But, as you say, what impressed me most tonight was him orchestrating the other players where to position themselves and when to press. We have a genius on our hands.

 

[Iamthemusicman]

Is it too soon to say he's the most gifted player we've ever had?

 

[Beanhead]

Is it too soon to say he's the most gifted player we've ever had?

Nope. We all have eyes.

 

[citykos]

Im not going to say he is the most talented football player on planet but he is definitely the most unpredicted player on planet. He can dribble so easily and yet shoot with both feet equally good, his final pass is 2nd to nobody. It’s a nightmare for defenders. What a player we’ve got in our hands

 

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[Blue warrior]

The dogs danglies this kid