TTLB Opinion: Rayan Cherki is a bargain Daniel Levy cannot ignore; Will Tottenham rue missed opportunity?

The Frenchman is elite in operating through tight spaces and knows how to progress the ball through the crowded midfield. Moreover, given his vision and passing range, he can play disguised balls and creative through passes that could open up defences. And given that he is left-footed, it would bring a different attribute to the squad (and could balance out Maddison).

The French sensation is a versatile profile; you can play him in a number ten role as well as in a left wing role. Cherki can also feature as an inverted right winger. He can operate in high spaces to make layoffs to the clinical players in the team (the likes of Heung-Min Son and Brennan Johnson).

That being said, his defensive work rate is a bit inconsistent, and it would be difficult to manage him in a high-pressing system. And given that he is still young, you could see that he is a bit hasty with his decision-making at times.

If you are judging his profile and him as a player, you need to remember that he is a high-ceiling playmaker and not a high-floor workhorse (like Ange likes in his midfield). He operates with flair over function, but that being said, with proper coaching, he can be channelled.

Where can Cherki fit into the current Tottenham system?

His ideal role would be where Maddison plays in a left-sided No. 10 (more on inside left-half space). You can also use him in a 4-3-3 (that Ange currently deploys) where he can play as an advanced number eight when the Lilywhites are facing low blocks.

The Frenchman also fits as a proper central ten in a 4-2-3-1 where he operates behind the striker with the likes of Son and Johnson on the flank.

If you want him in your 2-3-5, then he can occupy those left half-spaces in the final third where he receives on turn and releases wingers or overlapping FBs.

That being said, he does need a double pivot behind him for defensive cover. And is not a fit for transitional games but best of his abilities could come when Spurs dominate territory and possession.

Author Opinion

Tottenham should move quickly to secure Rayan Cherki while his value is still low, and given his current contract situation with his current employers, he could be available at a bargain fee.