Cherki Shines at Manchester City as Mbappe Praises His Talent

Rayan Cherki’s Spectacular Talent Impresses at Manchester City

Rayan Cherki’s rise at Manchester City has caught the attention of football fans and experts alike, with the young French midfielder now being hailed as a “spectacular talent” by both Kylian Mbappe and Pep Guardiola. Cherki, who transferred from Lyon in the summer after a remarkable 2024–25 season that saw him net 13 goals and provide 21 assists, has quickly become an integral part of City’s midfield.

Mbappe Applauds Cherki’s Manchester City Integration

France captain Kylian Mbappe, speaking ahead of the national team’s World Cup qualifying fixtures, expressed his admiration for Cherki. “He’s a special talent. I think he has a gift, which he’s making the most of. It’s an innate, spectacular talent. He’s integrated very well into the group and into Manchester City, which isn’t easy,” said Mbappe. The City newcomer debuted for France in June and has started to feature regularly in Pep Guardiola’s plans after overcoming an early thigh injury in the 2025–26 campaign.

Rayan Cherki’s Impact at Manchester City

The primary focus keyword, Rayan Cherki, has made nine appearances for Manchester City this season across all competitions, registering three goals and three assists. His partnership with Erling Haaland is beginning to flourish, notably assisting both of Haaland’s goals against Bournemouth in the Premier League. Cherki’s ability to operate in tight spaces and his flair for unlocking defences are quickly proving invaluable at the Etihad.

Pep Guardiola’s High Praise for Cherki

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, renowned for nurturing world-class talent, has placed Cherki in elite company. “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,” Guardiola remarked. He highlighted Cherki’s composure under pressure and his natural footballing instincts, comparing him to a “street player” always eager for the ball.

Cherki’s Potential: France’s Next Star?

Cherki’s seamless adaptation to both Manchester City and the France national team has drawn comparisons to club legends. Former City and France full-back Gael Clichy believes Cherki could reach the level of Kevin De Bruyne, stating, “I haven’t seen anyone that good. If he can bring his off-the-ball game to a certain level, I think we could be talking about a player that can reach Kevin De Bruyne’s numbers.” Clichy emphasized Cherki’s creativity in tight spaces and his ability to create danger in key areas.

What Lies Ahead for Cherki?

As France prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers and City continues its Premier League campaign, Cherki’s influence is set to grow. Didier Deschamps has put faith in the young midfielder, and with more minutes under Guardiola, Cherki’s trajectory could see him become one of Europe’s brightest stars.

Opinion: Cherki’s Gift Sets Him Apart

Cherki’s natural ability and rapid adaptation to top-level football are genuinely impressive. His combination of technical skill, vision, and composure at such a young age sets him apart from many of his peers. With support from influential figures like Mbappe and Guardiola, Cherki is well-positioned to reach his full potential. If he continues on this path, Manchester City and France may have discovered a player capable of shaping the future of football. For ongoing coverage and updates on Cherki’s journey, visit for more news.

[META_ACIKLAMA]Rayan Cherki is impressing at Manchester City, earning praise from Kylian Mbappe and Pep Guardiola. Discover how the French star is making his mark.