Erling Haaland hails Rayan Cherki, explaining that the Manchester City’s new playmaker is a “special talent” whose creativity and vision bring back memories of Kevin De Bruyne at his best.
The 21-year-old French midfielder, who arrived from Lyon during the summer transfer window, endured a tough start to life in England after an early-season injury.
But since his return to fitness, Cherki has quickly shown flashes of the brilliance that convinced Pep Guardiola to bring him to the Etihad.
Last week, he marked his comeback with a goal in City’s 3–1 Carabao Cup win over Swansea before turning provider days later in the Premier League, setting up two of Haaland’s strikes in another 3–1 victory against Bournemouth. Those moments have not gone unnoticed by City’s Norwegian star striker.
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund, Erling Haaland hails Rayan Cherki and couldn’t hide his admiration for the young midfielder’s flair and intelligence.
“He’s a good guy with some amazing qualities as we can all see,” Haaland said.
“It’s about, in the end, playing football to get the best out of everyone on the pitch. It’s the same with him, we need to help him in his free mind as a number 10 to pass the ball to me and the attacking players.”
The forward went a step further, drawing comparisons between Cherki and City’s long-time creative talisman, Kevin De Bruyne, who remains sidelined after a recent injury at new club Napoli.
“He has this special ability, which is difficult to explain, a little bit like Kevin had,” Haaland added.
“He can pass someone through from wherever on the pitch. He is a special talent, and we need to help him develop even more. He can be really good.”
Rayan Cherki brings new spark to City’s creative
Cherki’s emergence could not have come at a better time for Guardiola’s side. After allowing De Bruyne to leave last summer transfer, City have lacked their usual spark in the final third at times this season. However, the Frenchman’s technical quality, quick feet, and imagination have added a fresh dimension to the Sky Blues’ attack.
His two assists for Haaland against Bournemouth demonstrated that rare combination of vision and precision that City fans have grown used to under De Bruyne.
Both passes cut through defensive lines, perfectly timed to meet Haaland’s runs — the kind of understanding City’s system thrives on.
Cherki’s confidence on the ball and his willingness to take risks also fit the Guardiola blueprint. Those who watched him in France will not be surprised. At Lyon, he was often the creative heartbeat of the team, capable of unlocking defences with a single moment of brilliance.
Now, at City, surrounded by elite talent and under one of football’s most demanding managers, he appears to be finding a new level of maturity in his game. The early signs suggest Guardiola’s patience during Cherki’s injury layoff is beginning to pay off.
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The Frenchman’s adaptation to the Premier League has been helped by the supportive environment in City’s dressing room.
Erling Haaland hails Rayan Cherki after his assists is not only a show of appreciation but also a statement of belief — a signal that the striker sees in Cherki a partner capable of replicating the chemistry he enjoyed with De Bruyne last season.
Comparisons with De Bruyne are no small compliment. The Belgian has been at the heart of Manchester City’s dominance in recent years, redefining the art of playmaking in English football.
While no one expects Cherki to replace him outright, Haaland’s comments hint at the potential the young midfielder possesses to eventually carry some of that creative responsibility.
For Haaland, who thrives on service from midfield, players like Cherki are invaluable. If Cherki can replicate a good connection with Haaland, City’s attack could remain as potent as ever, even during De Bruyne’s absence.
