Rayan Cherki assisted goals for Nico O'Reilly and Marc Guehi in a game, though the specific opponent and date remain unclear. He has nine assists from open play in the league, the most in the league, according to multiple reports. Pep Guardiola described Cherki as 'unique' and an antidote to a brutish boredom in the Premier League.
Guardiola talked about Cherki in the same breath as Lionel Messi after a rabona assist against Sunderland, and praised his remarkable season and impressive statistics in his first year in the Premier League. Guardiola emphasized Cherki's open-mindedness and commitment to improvement, calling his adaptation huge. The manager wants Cherki to play in the final third of the pitch, a role similar to Kevin De Bruyne's under his management.
Unique, is Guardiola's description of an antidote to a brutish boredom that swarmed the Premier League. His mum and dad gave a talent and play close to Haaland but sometimes he plays close to [Gianluigi] Donnarumma and that is useless. First half, he played close to me! Play close to [Erling] Haaland and the wingers and the attacking midfielders and use the talent that mum and dad gave to you. When he starts to do that, he will become an extraordinary player with his mindset and me.
Cherki is 22 years old and in his first season in a new country. However, Guardiola has expressed frustration with Cherki publicly at times. It is unknown whether Manchester City won the game where Cherki provided the assists, and the current standings or implications for Manchester City's title hunt remain unclear.