Manchester City boss Guardiola, previously guided greats like Lionel Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi Hernández, has declared that Cherki ranks among the most gifted footballers he has ever witnessed and is confident the winger will adopt the team-first approach at the club.
The Frenchman, who joined the Sky Blues from Ligue 1 for £30.5m in time for the Club World Cup earlier this year, has featured in a mere seven games to date. Following a a thigh injury, he had a short appearance in the win versus Everton last matchday, in which he almost created a goal for Erling Haaland.
The player has travelled to Villarreal and could have his European first appearance in a City shirt.
While calling for patience, the boss was at a loss to fully describe the youngster’s qualities, admitting that the main question is how he fits in into the structure and adapts to doing basic actions effectively.
“Rayan is some of the greatest stars I’ve come across in my career,” stated the manager, showing amazement. “Technically and individually he is top-class. The challenge is how he settles and his understanding of play, what the match demands. He featured during the Club World Cup, however he had time off. We must proceed step by step, yet his ability is undeniable: I believe that frequently when possession reaches him, things get better.
“It’s not necessary for him to try to do extraordinary things; he ought to make basic plays. Still, he owns something unique. Like the pass for Erling in the final moments, among many actions he can do.
“He is a player immune to pressure on the ball. He reminds me of a street footballer. He is grumpy – ‘pass it to me’ – when he doesn’t get it, you know. It’s only been a short time in the team; it requires some time because you must build chemistry.”
Questioned if the youngster will adapt into the team ethos, the manager answered: “Without a doubt. Players like him are so instinctive, highly intelligent. They perceive it all.”
The City manager also praised Nico, who is likely to play in the heart of the park. Rodri has gone back to his old team, and should be recognized ahead of the game in Villarreal, but is unavailable with a muscle problem.
Guardiola noted: “I feel that González is improving continuously. We’re really happy with his behavior and he ought to develop further. He is cultured, receptive, a lovely guy. His parents have to be immensely pleased about the person and footballer he has become. He needs to stay true, yet while competing next to world-class talent, you gain experience. You see how you can get better, however, González should stick to his style, certainly.”
The manager additionally spoke glowingly about City’s improving displays. “We put away a lot of goals, creating numerous opportunities, and we are not conceding much. We’ve played just eight fixtures in the league as well as two in European competition, yet I believe that each outing is better than the previous one and is worse than the next.
“We talk about frequently ways to enhance and how to read the game more effectively. I possess immense confidence in the squad and I’m aware these players are putting in the effort. We are displaying strong shape.”
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Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez
Brian Hernandez