10 | Rayan Cherki - 2025/26

[OrigamiNinja]

I thought he started the game like he thought it was beneath him. Walking pace, nonchalant on the ball, all a bit meh. He should be going out there with the attitude that he’s getting multiple goals and assists against shite opposition. It’s an opportunity…take it.

 

[Blue-Ghana]

seemed disinterested .....he has stopped playing little flicks and risky passing, was happy to play sideways and backwards all game.

 

[IrishBloodEnglishHeart]

Been turned into a robot that doesn't entertain. I'm shocked...

 

[chris85mcfc]

I thought he started the game like he thought it was beneath him. Walking pace, nonchalant on the ball, all a bit meh. He should be going out there with the attitude that he’s getting multiple goals and assists against shite opposition. It’s an opportunity…take it.

That attitude could be the difference between him being a superstar, and just being another very talented player that won very little due to not being able to apply himself

I thought the same today, shrugging his shoulders, rolling his eyes when he wasn't given the ball etc

Fantastically talented player, but I sort of see why he hasn't been starting games as often as we thought; still has a lot to learn

 

[OrigamiNinja]

That attitude could be the difference between him being a superstar, and just being another very talented player that won very little due to not being able to apply himself

I thought the same today, shrugging his shoulders, rolling his eyes when he wasn't given the ball etc

Fantastically talented player, but I sort of see why he hasn't been starting games as often as we thought; still has a lot to learn

I thought about 2 things…

1. Pep’s comments over the years about us being a humble team. Treating every match and every opposition the same. We go out there and whether it’s Barca or Burton, we give them the same respect, try to win and win as comfortably as possible.

2. KDB. No matter the opposition, he was just himself. Wanted goals. Wanted assists.

It just felt like today, Cherki didn’t want to be out there. I could be wrong.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Ironically, that is why he won't start the big games at the minute. Doesn't currently have the mentality to match his talent.

Been turned into a robot that doesn't entertain. I'm shocked...

What game were you watching? Nothing robotic about his display. Cherki's problem was he played like it wasnt worth his time. Constantly trying the showboat option rather than the effective but simple option. He'd have been better if he had been more robotic.

 

[dadnlad]

Bit shit then

 

[simon23]

That attitude could be the difference between him being a superstar, and just being another very talented player that won very little due to not being able to apply himself

I thought the same today, shrugging his shoulders, rolling his eyes when he wasn't given the ball etc

Fantastically talented player, but I sort of see why he hasn't been starting games as often as we thought; still has a lot to learn

Fully agree.

get his attitude sorted and he is a world beater.....if not he is another Balotelli (and Cherki has more talent than Mario did imho)

The stupid thing is that attitude is the easiest thing to sort for yourself....is he clever enough to realise this?

 

[Danjt]

I’m a big Cherki fan and want him to play more.

He could’ve used this opportunity to run the game. Prove again that he can grab a game by the scruff of the neck like we know he can.

Until he does that in the games he starts in, he won’t be trusted to start the bigger games regularly.

Did he feel he was too big for the occasion?

Saying that, he’s not completely at fault. Seemed like a lack of effort from a group of players who have a lot to prove at the moment

 

[LaraQ]

I thought he started the game like he thought it was beneath him. Walking pace, nonchalant on the ball, all a bit meh. He should be going out there with the attitude that he’s getting multiple goals and assists against shite opposition. It’s an opportunity…take it.

This is what people were referring to when they talked about his bad attitude when he was at Lyon, his body language on the pitch,constantly throwing up his arms etc.Pep plays close attention to that stuff.

 

[paulbrenner]

Slowing everything down. Playing him and Foden together as two 10s is the worst tactics ever. Completely unwatchable.

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

Crap today. Looked half arsed

 

[Manc baggie]

Slowing everything down. Playing him and Foden together as two 10s is the worst tactics ever. Completely unwatchable.

I was at the game today with my missus annd our son. I actually said to my son to watch Cherki, as if he is on his game, he is a magician. I spent a lot of the match watching Cherki and Foden and how they played together. I honestly thought they were both pretty poor and I thought there seemed to be a reluctance to pass to each other. I noticed when Foden got subbed, it looked like Cherki had his hand out to take the captains armband, which Stones had passed to Foden, but Foden looked like he blanked Cherki.
It was noticeable that Cherki improved a lot after Foden was subbed and he didn’t have to share the 10 role, but until that point, he was poor.

 

[Legal Alien]

Playing him and Foden together as two 10s is the worst tactics ever.

It was noticeable that Cherki improved a lot after Foden was subbed and he didn’t have to share the 10 role, but until that point, he was poor.

I agree with both.
On TV it looked like they were just getting in each others way.
They both wanted the same space and wanted the same ball.
But Cherki looked a lot better after Phil went off.

On current form, only one has to start, but then i can't see either starting once Doku gets back.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

I thought he started the game like he thought it was beneath him. Walking pace, nonchalant on the ball, all a bit meh. He should be going out there with the attitude that he’s getting multiple goals and assists against shite opposition. It’s an opportunity…take it.

Agree 100pc. It’s not often you can accuse any of our players of a lack of effort. But we saw a different side of Cherki today. He was strolling around the pitch as if he didn’t give a shit. It was shocking to see and won’t have gone unnoticed by Pep. Phil is struggling at present but he always works hard. I doubt if Cherki will start the next game.

 

[normskih]

I thought about 2 things…

1. Pep’s comments over the years about us being a humble team. Treating every match and every opposition the same. We go out there and whether it’s Barca or Burton, we give them the same respect, try to win and win as comfortably as possible.

2. KDB. No matter the opposition, he was just himself. Wanted goals. Wanted assists.

It just felt like today, Cherki didn’t want to be out there. I could be wrong.

When I read your first paragraph, the very first player that came into my mind was KDB. Burton or Barcelona he showed them the same respect and played the same way no matter who he was playing against.
There his name was, in your second paragraph.

 

[bg1968]

Players in alll Pep's teams are shit scared of losing possesion and facing the wrath of the manager , Cherki was a breath of fresh air but it looks like he will be coached to play safe side to side football , cant knock Pep its succesful and his record speaks for its self , we will never be the exciting attacking team , we will dominate and grind teams down its worked for a decade , players like Cherki will never be a mainstay of the team , He will be the player who comes off the bench trying to breakdown the opposition for the last twenty minutes , and that is a waste of a supreme talent

 

[bluemoonandmore]

He probably can be a mainstay of the team given he is humble enough. His work rate is what it is. Rather than running more around like a donkey all the time, it is for me more for what purpose? Trying to move to get himself into a free space position further up the pitch rather than dropping down with a pointless 5 meter pass would be a start. And having some defensive nous, as to when to press, block passing lanes and smell danger. He is not a very pacy player, so he has to be an intelligent one. Having said that he has a god given technical ability to execute what he wants and he is also quick to turn at a dime when required. Vision behind the back is a limiting factor for most midfield players - I would say he is currently at his best when he has time on the ball and the action is in front of him around the box.

Overall an excellent player if he can iron out his weaknesses and also be a proper team player.

 

[Cigs&Alc]

Mouth breathers out in full force with their usual ‘Pep coaches the talent out of players’

Cherki is not a team player as it stands and it’s led him to be wasteful. Performances like today show why Pep is not giving him the playing time so many are asking for. Laughable that people want him in over Foden.

 

[simon23]

Players in alll Pep's teams are shit scared of losing possesion and facing the wrath of the manager , Cherki was a breath of fresh air but it looks like he will be coached to play safe side to side football , cant knock Pep its succesful and his record speaks for its self , we will never be the exciting attacking team , we will dominate and grind teams down its worked for a decade , players like Cherki will never be a mainstay of the team , He will be the player who comes off the bench trying to breakdown the opposition for the last twenty minutes , and that is a waste of a supreme talent

Doku takes someone on at every opportunity so that is complete rubbish.

Pep gives freedom to creative players ---KDB, David Silva to name but two flourished under Pep....and what about Messi?!?!?

People used this bullshit excuse for Grealish until everyone realised he wasnt creative and was just all hype and no substance and has now found his level again with Everton

Cherki is way more talented with the ball at his feet that Grealish can ever be....but it is about attitude and application - this will be where he succeeds or fails. If he is like KDB, David Silva and takes the game seriously he has all the talent in the world to eb one of the best...its all on him however.