Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Rayan Cherki, calling the young Frenchman one of the biggest talents he’s ever seen in his career. The Manchester City boss spoke ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Villarreal on Monday, October 20, 2025, describing Cherki’s ability as technically and individually top. The comments come just days after Guardiola’s remarks on Erling Haaland’s commitment to City, as reported by Softfootball.
Guardiola, who has coached some of the greatest playmakers in modern football, like Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, and Xavi Hernández, said Cherki has a special spark. He explained in an interview shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account:
Every time the ball comes to him, the situation is better. He doesn’t feel pressure. He’s a bit of a street player.
The manager’s confidence in the 22-year-old mirrors his calm response to recent injuries in the squad, including Rodri’s setback, which Softfootball earlier reported ahead of City’s double test against Villarreal and Aston Villa.
Still, Guardiola acknowledged that Cherki’s biggest challenge will be adapting to City’s structured, possession-heavy system. He said:
It’s all about how he reads the game.
Since joining from Lyon for £30.5 million, Cherki has made only seven appearances, but Guardiola insists his development will take time.
The Frenchman’s early flashes have impressed, including a lively cameo against Everton and a fine debut goal versus Wolves in June. Though injuries briefly slowed him, Cherki’s hunger remains obvious. Guardiola admires that mentality:
He’s got the feeling that he wants to transcend.
For Pep, talent is never enough — but in Cherki, he sees something special that just might be.
