Rayan Cherki told 'the only thing' he needs to change by Man City assistant Pep Lijnders

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Manchester City attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has scored nine goals and bagged 11 assists since joining from Lyon in the summer transfer window.

Manchester City assistant head coach Pep Lijnders has told Rayan Cherki he must work on receiving the ball in dangerous positions after an impressive debut season. The Frenchman arrived from Lyon last summer and instantly became a fan favourite thanks to his flair and confidence on the ball.

However, his theatrical style has occasionally brought criticism. During the Carabao Cup final, Cherki completed a couple of keepy-ups before being clattered by Arsenal's Ben White. This borderline showboating earned him a disapproving shake of the head from Pep Guardiola and he was replaced soon after.

On Saturday, Cherki was guilty of being too casual on the ball as City cruised to a 4-0 victory over Liverpool. Again, the midfielder was replaced but while there is still plenty for him to learn, the 22-year-old showcased his talent with his defence-splitting passes for Antoine Semenyo leading to two goals.

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After the game, Lijnders praised Cherki but insisted they were still working to make him even better. "The only thing we are working on with him is always receiving the ball to hurt the opposition," he explained. "Because you saw the pass to Antoine - the feeling and the timing.

"When he faces the goal, he becomes so, so dangerous. It’s for the other players to make sure he receives the ball in these spaces and pockets. If you saw today the work ethic without the ball, that defines with Cherki how he is growing. He wants to improve as well."

Cherki's creativity for City will become even more important next season following news of Bernardo Silva's impending departure.

The 31-year-old captain's contract expires at the end of the season and Lijnders confirmed Bernardo's farewell tour has begun. "Every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months - there are only six weeks - and has a good farewell," Lijnders said. "He deserves all that attention as well."

City are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Chelsea in the Premier League.