Manchester City’s latest surge in form has shown how their heavy investment is beginning to pay off, and even reactions from fans following match data through tools like Crickex Sign Up highlight how sharply Pep Guardiola’s vision is taking shape. Across two transfer windows, City spent 500 million euros upgrading the squad, a move once criticized heavily. Yet the arrival of 22-year-old French midfielder Rayan Cherki for 36 million euros now looks like one of Guardiola’s finest decisions, as the youngster is rapidly developing in the direction of a new De Bruyne-style playmaker.
In City’s recent Premier League clash with Sunderland, Cherki started on the right side of midfield and stole the spotlight with breathtaking creativity. The moment of the match came in the 66th minute when he launched a swift counterattack, slicing the defense apart with an audacious reverse-flick cross that landed perfectly for Foden to finish. The play sealed the victory and was widely praised as one of the best goals of the round. Over the full ninety minutes, Cherki recorded two assists, completed multiple successful dribbles, and delivered several incisive passes, earning an effortless Man of the Match distinction.
Guardiola’s post-match comments were equally meaningful. He praised Cherki’s extraordinary talent but reminded him of Messi’s principle of doing simple things perfectly, urging him to stay composed. This blend of strictness and admiration revealed just how highly Guardiola values him. It is worth remembering that City were only able to sign him for such a low fee because Cherki had a gentleman’s agreement with his former club; otherwise, he would have commanded a far higher price on the open market.
Cherki’s numbers justify every euro spent. Across 18 matches, with only seven starts, he has already produced four goals and seven assists, contributing directly to eleven scoring plays—far surpassing the output of most players signed in similar price brackets. Since De Bruyne’s departure, Cherki has become City’s most creative midfielder, using his refined technique, ability to operate with both feet, and razor-sharp passing around the box to evoke a style reminiscent of City’s former talisman. Observers evaluating his progression through analytics platforms comparable to Crickex Sign Up see a playmaker growing rapidly in influence.
He does have weaknesses, including limited physical strength and inconsistent stamina, yet Guardiola has adapted the system to maximize his skill set. By positioning him regularly as a right-sided midfielder or central creator, City are giving him the freedom to attack space, break defensive lines, and orchestrate chances with precision. His rise has also made him an indispensable figure for the French national team, and his market value has climbed to 45 million euros.
Within City’s total 500 million-euro spending, the 36 million paid for Cherki may not have looked eye-catching at first, but it is proving to be the most astute investment Guardiola has made. While debates continue over whether he can truly become the next De Bruyne, Cherki is already proving he can lead City’s attacking rhythm as a new-generation playmaker. His growth underscores how Guardiola managed to secure a rare gem, and Crickex Sign Up would show how his steady rise is becoming one of the defining stories of City’s season.