Enzo Maresca says Rayan Cherki is one of the best players in Europe when he gets into the right position.
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The French attacking midfielder has enjoyed a fine start to his second season in England, scoring six times and providing two assists in his first 11 appearances across all competitions.
That included a fine strike in Tuesday’s Champions League thrashing of AEK Athens in a similar fashion to his now famous goal at Anfield earlier this month.
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As well as contributing in the final third, Cherki is also keen to be involved in play from much deeper.
Speaking in his press conference before Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, Maresca urged the No.10 to remain high up the pitch so his team-mates can find him in the areas where he can do most damage.
“Rayan in this moment is one of the best players in Europe when he is in the right position,” he said.
“When we are able to find him between the lines, he is always dangerous. The goal the other night and at Liverpool are quite similar.
“If we are able to keep him there and find him, he is one of the best players. He loves the ball and to move a lot so a lot of the time he is out of that position.
“In terms of numbers, goals and assists, he’s doing fantastic. In the right position, he is so important.
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“This is something he needs to keep, he loves the ball and I’m not going to remove from his game. We need to find the right balance.”
While Maresca acknowledges Cherki’s outstanding natural flair and penchant for sublime skill, he also says the main aim of his attacking players is always to create and convert chances in front of goal.
“I like when the players are happy but I also like the simple things. The most difficult thing is to do the easy things,” he said.
“I like it when they don’t complicate it but sometimes when players are so good, they need to do that.
“I am happy when he does that because I know he’s happy. And he’s creating chances so it’s even better.”
Cherki has been a pivotal part of a free-scoring City side in recent weeks, with the Blues already netting 33 times in 11 games across the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
However, Maresca says he’s still searching for the correct equilibrium in and out of possession.
“We need to find the right balance between scoring and conceding,” said the boss.
“We are scoring many goals but I’m sure we can improve that. It is a good number but there is always something we can do better.
“Scoring a lot means you create a lot. Most of the games when we score four or five we create more and we create a lot. Now we have to try to reduce the goals that we concede.”
City v Brighton: £20 for adults and £1 for U18s
Tickets are now on sale for our Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton.
We host Fabian Hurzeler’s side at 19:30 (UK) on Wednesday 28 October.
Tickets for adults start from just £20, with all U18s only £1 – and you can also buy up to six tickets per person.
Taking place during half term school holidays too, it’s the perfect time to experience a night under the Etihad lights for all the family!
And there will be so much to do beforehand, with a Kids Fanzone just over the road at the City Football Academy ahead of kick-off.
Meanwhile, hospitality is available from just £100 with a range of packages on offer to suit your needs, whether a special occasion for a loved one or for something professional.
Book your place at the Seagulls encounter below.