Rayan Cherki’s eye-catching start to life at Manchester City has continued to gather momentum, with a number of high-profile voices offering glowing assessments of the Frenchman’s impact.
The 22-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League, producing performances that have not only influenced results but also reignited a sense of unpredictability and flair.
His latest display came in a commanding 3-0 victory over Chelsea, where Cherki played a central role.
Registering two assists, he demonstrated both creativity and composure, with one particular pass to set up Marc Guehi highlighting his exceptional awareness and technical quality.
It was the kind of moment that underlined his growing importance to the team and hinted at a player capable of shaping matches at the highest level.
Cherki’s increasing prominence in the starting line-up reflects both his consistency and his ability to offer something different.
While Manchester City are renowned for their structured and positional approach under Pep Guardiola, Cherki’s style appears to add a layer of spontaneity that has captured attention across the footballing world.
A flair player winning admirers
Among those impressed is musician and lifelong City supporter Noel Gallagher, who believes Cherki’s ceiling is remarkably high.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gallagher expressed his excitement about the player’s potential, stating: “It’s his first season, he’s only going to get better and better and better.
“He’s pretty good already, but this time next season, he could be a world superstar. He’s just great to watch, he takes the mickey a little bit.
“He winds opposition fans up, and opposition players, and that’s a good thing, I think. He’s the kind of footballer that’ll get kids into football.
“He’s like the Prince Naseem Hamed of football. He’s a show-off and he doesn’t care. He’s cheeky, he winds people up. We love him.”
Cherki willingness to take risks and embrace the spotlight has made him a fan favourite, particularly at a time when some believe the modern game has become overly system-driven.
Despite the praise, questions remain about how neatly Cherki fits into Guardiola’s tactical blueprint.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has suggested that the Frenchman’s instinctive style may not align perfectly with the City manager’s usual preferences.
Speaking on The Good, the Bad and the Football, Scholes said: “The difference from Arsenal and City now, City have still got a couple of players, they can’t be coached to what they do.
“You look at Cherki yesterday [Sunday]. He’s a million miles away from a Pep Guardiola player, I think. He’s got all the skills, don’t get me wrong, but Pep likes people who are in right positions.
“He isn’t, he goes all over the place, but he’s got that freedom to play now.”
Scholes’ remarks highlight a key aspect of Cherki’s game — his tendency to drift, improvise, and operate outside rigid positional frameworks.
Yet, rather than being a weakness, it is increasingly viewed as a strength, offering City an alternative dimension in attack.
“A breath of fresh air” in modern football
Another former Manchester United figure, Rio Ferdinand, has also been vocal in his admiration.
Ferdinand believes Cherki’s influence extends beyond his club, suggesting he is helping to restore excitement to the wider game.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: “Rayan Cherki’s looking at the Premier League right now and going ‘what’s all the hype? Like they try [to] call France the farmer’s league, no, no, no.
“‘Cause I’m coming here, slapping up this league doing kick-ups, taking liberties with the biggest and best teams they’re calling here, and no one can chat to me.’
“I think he’s a breath of fresh air. He’s the maverick type that we’ve been saying has been run out of the game over the last few years,” Ferdinand continued.
“He’s showing no fear and no respect for any opponent and I love it. He makes you sit on the edge of your seat and think ‘what’s he gonna do next’, because I can’t read what he’s going to come with.”
Cherki’s ability to defy expectations and produce moments of brilliance has made him one of the league’s most talked-about performers.
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That view is shared by former Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison, who has gone as far as to label Cherki among the standout signings of the season.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Morrison emphasised both his entertainment value and effectiveness.
“Cherki’s a player, he’s like a maverick,” Morrison said. “He’s one of those you pay money to watch.
“And you know what he does, he talks the talk, but he can also walk the walk. I think he’s a fantastic player.
“He’s a super talented individual and a joy to watch, and I think he’d be one of the signings of the season. He’s just going through the gears at the moment, I think he’s fantastic.”
As the season progresses, Cherki’s performances will continue to be scrutinised, particularly as expectations rise.
However, his early displays suggest he possesses both the talent and mentality to thrive in one of the most demanding leagues in world football.
