Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has showered praise on attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, calling him a "huge star" and one of the most talented players he has ever worked with. Speaking to the press on Monday, Guardiola expressed his excitement about Cherki's potential impact on the team, particularly following his return from a recent injury.
Guardiola highlighted Cherki's unique abilities, stating, "Rayan is one of the most talented players I've seen in my career. He's a top player". He alluded to Cherki's impact in the game against Everton, "the pass for Erling in the last moment [against Everton], many, many things that he can do". However, Guardiola also emphasized the importance of Cherki integrating further into the team's dynamic. "But the real question is how he fits in and how he reads the game," Guardiola noted.
Cherki, who had a promising start at the Club World Cup, faced a setback with a few weeks off. Guardiola is keen to see the young Frenchman develop a better understanding of how to play with his teammates. "Most of the time, when the ball gets to him, the situation improves. But you don't always have to do something extraordinary, you just have to play football," Guardiola advised.
Despite these areas for improvement, Guardiola is confident in Cherki's intelligence and natural talent. "He's a player who doesn't feel the pressure. He's like a street footballer. He wants the ball when he doesn't have it," Guardiola said. He believes that Cherki's innate abilities, combined with a growing understanding of the team's tactics, will make him a valuable asset to Manchester City.
Guardiola's praise suggests that he has high hopes for Cherki's future at the club. The manager's guidance will be crucial in helping the young midfielder harness his talent and become a key player for Manchester City. Cherki's return from injury provides a timely boost for the team, and his performances in the upcoming matches will be closely watched as he seeks to further impress Guardiola and solidify his place in the squad.
