Rayan Cherki will be hoping to become a Manchester City legend like David Silva one day.
Cherki wants to become Manchester City’s key man and for much of his decade-long spell at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard was one of the primary reasons behind the Sky Blues’ success.
Stylistically, the Frenchman can be likened to the World Cup winner, being left-footed, a technician of the highest order and an expert at splitting defences with his eye for a pass.
But David Silva is a true legend of the game and the 21-year-old still has plenty of work to do to be mentioned in the same breath as the retired maestro.
David Silva sends ‘top’ message after Rayan Cherki signs for Man City
However, Rayan Cherki’s potential is virtually limitless, which explains why Manchester City have made the move to sign him at such a young age.
Thierry Henry noted the maturity in Cherki as a player and it seems like the now-former Lyon technician is at the stage of his career where he is ready for superstardom.
David Silva certainly seems to think so, commenting a ‘top emoji’ under Manchester City’s Instagram post as Cherki sent a message to the Sky Blues fans.
The French international said: “Hello everyone. It’s Rayan. I’m very excited to be here. See you all at the Etihad.”
Rayan Cherki stats compared to David Silva before Man City move
Cherki revealed he is a number 10 and the same can be said about David Silva, even though the four-time Premier League winner played in multiple positions during his time at Manchester City.
But in similar fashion to the latter, the City new-boy can play out wide and in deeper positions as well.
Manchester City fans might be intrigued to know how Cherki compares to David Silva from a purely statistical point of view before either player made the move to the Premier League.
| STATISTICAL COMPARISON | DAVID SILVA AT VALENCIA | RAYAN CHERKI AT LYON |
| APPEARANCES | 168 | 185 |
| GOALS | 32 | 29 |
| ASSISTS | 39 | 45 |
Statistically, Silva has the edge on Cherki, having provided three fewer goal involvements (71 compared to 74) but in 17 less games.
However, the latter has played in a Lyon side plagued by managerial changes and a historically dark period while also being younger than David Silva before joining Manchester City.
But City’s reason for signing both players is their tremendous potential.
If Cherki can develop into even half the player David Silva was, Manchester City fans are in for a treat for years to come.
