In a season filled with big names at Manchester City, young French star Rayan Cherki has managed to establish himself as one of the team's biggest surprises, stealing the spotlight with mature performances and impressive statistics that prove Pep Guardiola's faith in him was well placed.

Cherki, of Algerian descent, joined Manchester City last summer for just 35 million euros in a relatively quiet deal that didn’t attract the usual media buzz surrounding City’s signings. At the time, many doubted the player’s ability to quickly adapt to the challenges of the English Premier League, not to mention Guardiola’s complex philosophy. However, the young player responded decisively on the pitch.

Over the past few years, Rayan Cherki's name has been linked with many of Europe's top clubs, foremost among them Real Madrid, especially after his impressive performances with Olympique Lyonnais, where he was seen as one of the most exciting French talents. Despite this, no major club moved quickly enough to secure his transfer, until Guardiola came along and quietly and smartly seized the opportunity.

This season, Mahrez has played 21 matches in all competitions for Manchester City, scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists. These numbers reflect his direct impact in the attacking third but do not fully capture his overall contribution. Alongside his technical touches and ability to make a difference between the lines, the player has shown clear development in tactical and defensive aspects, aligning with the demands of a coach who does not accept half measures.

Guardiola succeeded in reshaping Sharqi's talent, giving him freedom at times and discipline at others, making him a more balanced player capable of playing in multiple positions, with a smart understanding of space and positioning. This made him a reliable element in the City system, despite his young age and the intense competition within the team.

Rayan Cherki today is not just having a good season; he is sending a clear message: talent alone is not enough, it requires the right coach and the right environment. As he continues to shine in England, it seems that Manchester City has secured a winning deal, and Guardiola, once again, has succeeded in snatching a gem that almost got lost among the big clubs' calculations.

Spanish coach Pep Guardiola spoke about Rayan Cherki after yesterday's win over Brentford in the League Cup, where the French star scored a brilliant goal: "Rayan Cherki is an exceptional player... even a blind person can see that – you don't have to be a journalist or a coach. He scored a fantastic goal, reminiscent of Foden or De Bruyne."