Rayan Cherki exploded in form versus Dortmund, prompting Man City fans to repeatedly call on Pep Guardiola to start him when the club meets Liverpool in a key Premier League fixture.
The big showdown between Man City and Liverpool this weekend is even more exciting as Rayan Cherki unexpectedly becomes the focus. After his outstanding display against Dortmund, the 22-year-old has gained strong backing from fans who believe he can make a difference, especially since the two teams are separated by just one point in the Premier League standings at present.
In the 4-1 victory over Dortmund in the early hours of November 6, Cherki, despite coming off the bench, immediately made an impact with a decisive shot inside the box to seal the score. That moment left a strong impression on Man City supporters. Notably, Cherki’s performance is seen as a clear sign of his readiness for the big challenge named Liverpool.
Playing only about 15 minutes, Cherki’s stats were remarkably impressive. He had 10 touches, completed 100% of his dribbles, made two ball recoveries, and won two one-on-one duels. These numbers have convinced fans that Cherki is in great shape and fully capable of causing problems for Liverpool’s defense, which has been improving under Arne Slot.
Cherki’s energetic and creative style adds flexibility to Man City’s attack, especially as the team relies heavily on Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. This has led fans to believe Pep Guardiola should seriously consider giving this young player a starting role. On social media, one comment gained significant traction, saying: "Unbelievable that we signed Rayan Cherki for 37 million Euros. This is the deal of the century."
Many other accounts continue to express their confidence: "Cherki must start against Liverpool" or "Cherki, you are truly special." In fact, one user even emphasized: "Rayan Cherki is gradually establishing his name in Europe… A world-class player." These evaluations show Cherki’s growing appeal and put considerable pressure on Guardiola ahead of the important match.
As Liverpool regains stability, Guardiola’s personnel choices attract even more attention. Starting Cherki could surprise the opponent and add more versatility to Man City’s attacking setup. So, will the Spanish coach take the risk and hand Cherki a starting spot in this high-profile game?