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Rayan Cherki & Phil Foden Scout Report At Man City 2025/2026 & Overload Your Build-Up Like PSG & Liverpool
Today, we have a player analysis of Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden, determining whether or not they can play together for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, along with a tactical theory piece on overloading your build-up with examples from PSG and Liverpool.
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The footballing world was once again reminded of Rayan Cherki’s prodigious talent when he came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute of France’s dramatic 5-4 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League.
In that brief period, he delivered both an assist and a goal, which showed why he is one of the most creative players in the world today.
Cherki’s departure from Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) was widely anticipated, with top European clubs circling in expectation.
Ultimately, it was Manchester City who secured his signature for a reported £30 million.
His arrival coincides with a period of introspection at City following an underwhelming campaign.
Notably, Phil Foden — a player once heralded as the natural successor to Kevin De Bruyne — has found his role diminished.
This development casts doubt on his long-term status as the creative main man.
Pep Guardiola’s recent ventures in the transfer market, including the acquisition of Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, further suggest a pursuit of renewed attacking impetus.
The addition of Cherki, in particular, raises questions regarding Foden’s future.
Does Guardiola now envision the Englishman as a rotational option rather than a central figure?
Or, is there scope for both Cherki and Foden to operate and harmonise their distinct creative profiles within the same starting XI?
This analysis aims to dissect the individual strengths each player brings to Manchester City, assess their tactical compatibility, and determine whether Guardiola can accommodate both talents simultaneously.
In the era of modern football, the term ‘overload‘ can usually be applied to pressing or attacking actions.
The term is basically used to explain when a team creates an advantage, such as a numerical advantage, over the opposition in some situations in order to achieve their goal.
The objective may be different.
In the context of pressing, for example, the overload may be a means of forcing the opponent to turn the ball over as quickly as possible, since the team using the overload has a numerical advantage.
In the attacking context, the overload can be used to create another passing option/angle to keep the attack going, or to open up space in the opponent’s structure to direct the attack.
Many situations can trigger overloads, and this article will specifically explain when and why a team overloads its own build-up.
TFA Archives 📆
Gennaro Gattuso has agreed to become new Italy national team head coach.
Gattuso will replace Luciano Spalletti with immediate effect, agreement done.
Read about his Tactics At Valencia 2022/2023.
Mathys Tel will leave Bayern and join Spurs on permanent deal, agreement set to be reached.
€35m fee in addition to €10m loan fee, as BILD reports.
Milos Kerkez, not listening to any other call or approach as he’s gonna join Liverpool.
It’s just matter of time and technical steps.
Read his 2024/2025 scout report and how he can fit at the club.
