Rayan Cherki has excelled in a new role Man City can’t afford to use him in

Manchester Evening News writer Jack Flintham argues that while Rayan Cherki excels as an impact substitute for Manchester City, the club cannot afford to keep him in a bench role long-term. Under manager Enzo Maresca, the attacking midfielder has frequently produced decisive cameos against opponents such as Bournemouth, yet the writer contends Cherki is simply too talented not to start in major fixtures.

Maresca explained that tactical decisions against aggressive teams led him to bench Cherki and Phil Foden in favor of physical midfielders like Ayyoub Bouaddi. While Cherki remains a potent weapon against tiring defenses, Flintham anticipates the French playmaker will return to the starting lineup for City's upcoming clash against RB Leipzig.