NOTHING gets Dream Team managers excited like a shiny new toy.
For the latest in our SCOUT REPORT series, we’re shining a light on Manchester City newbie, Rayan Cherki.
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The 21-year-old is one of several new arrivals at the Etihad this calendar year; a response to declining standards.
Pep Guardiola’s side endured a rare trophyless season in 2024/25 and Cherki is expected to breathe new life into the eight-time Premier League champions as they seek to set things right.
The France starlet scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists in all competitions for Lyon last season.
He played as a right winger for the Ligue 1 outfit primarily but was often deployed as the most advanced midfielder and, on occasion, as a second striker.
Guardiola gave Cherki minutes in all three roles during the Club World Cup, a time of experimentation for the decorated tactician.
His role and place in the pecking order are points of interest once the new campaign gets underway but his potential, if everything aligns nicely, is high enough to interest more than a few Dream Team bosses.
His current ownership of 7.4% puts him just outside the top ten most selected midfielders at present.
A skilful technician with both feet, Cherki ranked tenth in Ligue 1 for successful take-ons per 90 last season but his dribble rate was higher than all those above him in the metric, including PSG stars Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue.
Talented dribblers often collect their fair share of bonus points in Dream Team.
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When playing centrally, Cherki flexes his playmaking muscles, making frequent use of disguised passes.
With Kevin De Bruyne having moved onto pastures new, there’s a vacancy for Erling Haaland’s chief collaborator and Cherki’s willingness to play throughballs may benefit the big Norwegian No9.
Historically, Man City midfielders have provided plentiful points in Dream Team and Cherki has the attributes to continue that tradition.
The issue is that predicting Guardiola’s line-ups is fraught with risk.
Cherki is competing for minutes with several other players who believe they too are worthy starters.
Haaland will lead the line more often than not and one suspects Rodri will reprise his ever-present anchor role but the other positions in midfield and attack are very much up for grabs.
Risk-adverse gaffers may opt to wait and see how Cherki is deployed before taking a chance on him but there’s no doubt he’s a player to monitor carefully once the new season is up and running.
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