Manchester – Pep Guardiola has lauded Rayan Cherki's "exceptional" performance following Manchester City's dominant 3-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday. The win, propelled by Cherki's influential display, narrows the gap between City and Premier League leaders Arsenal to a mere two points.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined City in the summer of 2025, showcased his creative talent and contributed significantly to the team's attacking prowess. Cherki's standout moment arrived in the 65th minute when he delivered a mesmerizing rabona cross that found Phil Foden, who headed the ball into the net off the bar. This sublime assist capped an influential performance that extended beyond isolated moments of brilliance.
Guardiola, while acknowledging Cherki's special talent, emphasized the importance of simplicity and disciplined execution of fundamental skills. He stated, "Rayan is an exceptional player. He is so young, he has a huge personality. He is not scared and has self-confidence. In the final third, he has something special".
However, Guardiola tempered his praise by adding, "But I like simplicity. Messi never made a mistake with the simple things. The simple things he does perfectly, then he dribbles past four or five players". He stressed that Cherki, like all his players, must prioritize the team's needs and execute the simple things well before indulging in individual flair. Guardiola believes that if Cherki adheres to this philosophy, he will be a valuable asset to the club for many years to come.
Cherki's journey to Manchester City began on June 10, 2025, when the club announced his signing on a five-year contract for a reported initial fee of €36.5 million, with potential add-ons of €6 million and a 15% sell-on clause. The young Frenchman, a product of Lyon's academy, had already amassed considerable experience, playing 185 times for his boyhood club. He made his senior debut at 16 and quickly established himself as a creative force, known for his dribbling skills, vision for assists, and two-footed ability.
Since joining Manchester City, Cherki has made a notable impact. He scored his first goal for the club on June 22 in a FIFA Club World Cup match against Al Ain. On August 16, he marked his Premier League debut with a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cherki also made his UEFA Champions League debut on October 21 against Villarreal and scored his first Champions League goal on November 5 against Borussia Dortmund.
Guardiola's tactical adjustments in the game against Sunderland highlighted Cherki's importance to the team. By shifting Bernardo Silva infield to join Foden and Cherki as playmakers, Guardiola created a fluid attacking trio that often overwhelmed the opposition with their intricate passing.
As Manchester City continues their pursuit of the Premier League title, Rayan Cherki's development and integration into Guardiola's system will be crucial. His exceptional talent, combined with a commitment to the team's objectives, positions him as a key player in City's quest for another crown.
