Boxing Boosts Rayan Cherki’s Football Skills: Footballers Embrace Cross-Training

It’s the feet you notice most of all, a blur of skips and tip-toes carrying Rayan Cherki away from the desperate lunges of defenders as he dances through the penalty area before caressing the ball past the goalkeeper. The Manchester City attacker’s first goal against Crystal Palace 13 days ago was an exquisite showcase for his skills, and the highlight of a mesmeric performance in his side’s 4-1 victory, but the balance and quicksilver footwork which made it possible had been honed in a very different sport. Back in May, a video of Cherki boxing went viral. It showed him…