Erling Haaland wants more assists from Manchester City teammate who has been described as the new ‘Kevin De Bruyne’ of the Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Norwegian striker was full of praise for Rayan Cherki, whose dazzling display helped Manchester City secure a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, signed from Lyon during the summer for around £30 million, delivered his most complete performance in a City shirt so far.
Operating with freedom and flair, Cherki not only provided the creative spark in midfield but also assisted both of Haaland’s goals in a win that reasserted City’s dominance at the top of the table.
Haaland, who had been under quiet scrutiny after going a single game without scoring, ended that brief drought in emphatic style. The striker was at his ruthless best, but he was quick to credit Cherki for making his afternoon easier and demanded for more assists.
“We all know his qualities, so it’s about trying to get the best out of everyone! Today he had two amazing assists to me, so hopefully many more,” Haaland told Sky Sports after the game.
It was the kind of display that Manchester City fans had been waiting for from their new signing.
Injuries had restricted Cherki’s minutes in the early months of the season, leaving supporters wondering when they would see the flair and creativity that made him one of Ligue 1’s most promising young players. Against Bournemouth, they finally got their answer.
Cherki’s blend of close control, quick turns, and incisive passing gave City a new attacking dimension. His ability to find Haaland in tight spaces caused Bournemouth’s defence constant problems, while his understanding of City’s fluid attacking structure seemed to click into place at last.
For much of the first half, Cherki was at the heart of everything City did well — gliding past defenders, drawing fouls, and dictating the tempo.
Both assists to Haaland were crafted with the kind of intelligence and precision that Pep Guardiola prizes.
As the final whistle blew, Cherki’s name echoed around the Etihad — a sign that City fans are beginning to recognise just how important he could become in their title defence.
Also, Guardiola’s admiration for Cherki has been evident since the young midfielder’s arrival.
Ahead of the Bournemouth fixture, the City manager had spoken candidly about what makes the Frenchman special — and what challenges come with managing such an instinctive talent.
“He’s a special player,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “This is a special place, and out of all the managers, we want to make it like a chess game. You have to do this, you have to do that.
“And he’s a little free soul – you have to understand that. So he’s a special player, and he’s so young, and hopefully he can be open and coachable to learn what the team needs from him, with and without the ball, and all the actions that we need. But of course, he gives you something up front that is unique.”
That freedom Guardiola referenced was on full display against Bournemouth. Rather than restricting Cherki with rigid tactical instructions, City’s coach seemed to give him license to express himself.
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The result was a performance that combined creativity with discipline — a balance Guardiola has long sought from his attacking midfielders.
As City turn their attention to Europe, the timing of Cherki’s form could not be better. They will host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Erling Haaland wants more assists from Cherki and if he can replicate his Bournemouth performance under the Champions League lights, City might soon have another midfield maestro commanding headlines.
