The prospect of what Pep Guardiola could turn Rayan Cherki into is salivating

Rayan Cherki has returned from injury and put in a promising cameo performance off the bench in Manchester City’s 2-nil win over Everton. With Cherki back fit, the hope is that he can quickly become a key player for Manchester City. Speaking ahead of his team’s UEFA Champions League league phase fixture against Villarreal, Pep Guardiola had high praise for the talent of Rayan Cherki. Looking further ahead, it is a salivating prospect to consider the type of player Cherki could become under Pep Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola believes that Rayan Cherki is one of the most talented players he has seen.

Pep Guardiola faced the media yesterday ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League fixture against Villarreal. The City manager had special praise for the talent of the French international as he also explained what Cherki needed to adapt his game to at Manchester City. Speaking on Rayan Cherki’s talent, Guardiola told the media: “Rayan is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my career. His talent… he is top. The question is how he settles and how he needs to read actions.”

“He started well at the Club World Cup but then had a few weeks off. I have the feeling most of the time when the ball comes to him, the situation is better.”

“But not all the time you have to do exceptional things – just play football. He has something.”

“The pass for Erling in the last moments [against Everton], he can do it. He is a player who doesn’t feel pressure. He is like a street player.”

“He wants the ball when he doesn’t have it. But he is here a short time – he needs a little bit of time because in football you learn to play with your mates. But these types of players are intelligent. They see everything.”