🔗 Share this article

Etihad chief Guardiola, who has guided icons including the Argentine maestro, Iniesta, and Xavi, has declared that Cherki is one of the most skillful individuals he has ever observed and believes the forward will embrace the collective ethos at the Premier League side.

Recovery Update

Cherki, who joined the Sky Blues from Ligue 1 in a £30.5m deal just before the intercontinental tournament earlier this year, has featured in just seven outings so far. Following a a thigh injury, he made a brief stint in the success against the Toffees recently, during which he came close to assisting a strike for the Norwegian.

He has made the trip to face Villarreal and could earn his Champions League debut with City.

Guardiola’s Insight

While calling for understanding, the boss struggled to articulate the youngster’s qualities, admitting that the biggest doubt might be how he adapts into the structure and gets used to performing simpler tasks consistently.

“Rayan is some of the biggest talents I have ever seen throughout my coaching life,” Guardiola said, puffing out his cheeks. “On a technical level he is outstanding. The key is his integration and his perception of each situation, what the match demands. He started at the Club World Cup, but then he had time off. It’s about taking it step by step, yet his ability is clear: I believe that most of the time when possession finds him, the situation improves.

“He doesn’t always try to do spectacular moves; sometimes he just needs make basic plays. But he has a special quality. For example, the through ball for the striker in the final moments, plus countless other things he is capable of.

“He is a player who doesn’t feel stress when receiving the ball. He resembles a pickup game star. He shows annoyance – ‘I want the ball’ – when he’s overlooked, you know. He’s been here for not long with us; he needs some time as you have to connect with teammates.”

Inquired whether the Frenchman can integrate into the team ethos, he replied: “Without a doubt. These kinds of players are very intuitive, incredibly bright. They perceive it all.”

Praise for Nico

Guardiola additionally commended Nico González, who is likely to play in the heart of the park. The Spanish midfielder is present to his former club, and is likely celebrated pre-kickoff at their stadium, but is unavailable with a muscle problem.

He commented: “I believe that González is getting better consistently. We are extremely happy with his approach and he should develop further. He is cultured, receptive, a lovely guy. His parents must be very happy with the person and footballer he’s grown into. He has to remain authentic, but when you play next to world-class talent, you gain experience. You notice how your game can improve, though Nico has to be himself, for sure.”

Squad’s Improving Performance

The manager additionally expressed delight regarding the team’s current form. “We put away many goals, producing a wealth of opportunities, and at the same time giving up little. There have been only eight fixtures in the league plus two in European competition, though I sense that each outing is better than the previous one and is worse than the next.

“We analyze a lot how we can improve and how to interpret play more effectively. I have great belief in the team and I realize the individuals are putting in the effort. We are displaying very good form.”