Rayan Cherki had added a goal in the biggest game of the Premier League season to a pair of assists at Stamford Bridge last week. The maverick with the magical touch has shown a productivity. He has a showman’s trickery but he has also made the second most goals in the top flight. He can be framed as the difference-maker, in part because, in a division dominated by set-pieces, few have his creativity in open play, or his joie de vivre.
And yet when Pep Guardiola was asked if his bargain of a signing should be named player of the year, he scoffed. “Come, come,” he said. “He’s so young.” If Guardiola had a vote, either for the PFA or Football Writers’ Association awards, it is safe to say it would be cast for Bernardo Silva. Not just this season, either, as Silva is his man for all seasons. He is his favourite.
