Former France manager Laurent Blanc has urged Pep Guardiola to utilize Rayan Cherki’s talent by giving him the freedom to express himself on the pitch, describing the Manchester City midfielder as a rare talent capable of influencing any match.
Blanc believes the 22-year-old, who arrived from Lyon in the summer, has already shown signs that he could become one of Europe’s standout creative forces if trusted consistently.
Cherki has made an eye-catching start to life at the Etihad Stadium following his £30m move and has quickly become a talking point in both England and France.
After scoring on his France debut in June, he found the net again on his first Premier League appearance in August, further elevating expectations surrounding his development.
Guardiola himself added to the growing admiration of Rayan Cherki’s talent last month, calling him “one of the most talented players” he had ever seen.
Among his City teammates, the sense of excitement is just as strong. Winger Jérémy Doku offered his own colourful description recently, saying: “Rayan is a bit of a street player, he’s not afraid of anything.”
That fearlessness, coupled with a natural flair, is what Blanc believes sets the young playmaker apart from most of his contemporaries.
The former Lyon boss worked closely with Cherki during the 2022-23 season and saw firsthand how unusual his gifts were.
“I don’t know where it comes from, whether it’s street talent or innate talent, but he’s brimming with it,” Blanc said according to the Mirror
“I can assure you that there aren’t many players like him. He’s a rare gem. In the media world, you call him a rising star.
“His talent and genius make him a rare player. He just needs to find a coach who trusts him. And I think he has.”
For many observers, Rayan Cherki’s talent is too visible and his rise has felt inevitable. His game is built on improvisation, imagination and an ability to open up defences with quick changes of direction or disguised passes—traits that have become increasingly valuable in modern football.
Blanc, who managed him in Ligue 1, has watched his transition to English football with interest and believes his former player has only scratched the surface of his potential.
Blanc was particularly struck by Cherki’s feel for the game, the kind of natural touch and awareness that cannot easily be coached.
In his view, this is what makes the youngster both exciting and challenging for managers under pressure to secure results week in, week out.
The impulse to control risk can often run counter to a player whose strengths come from spontaneity.
That, Blanc argues, is why Cherki must be trusted rather than restrained.
“I understand it’s difficult for coaches to play him, given the pressure to get results,” Blanc said.
“But yes, he has to be played. And yes, he has to be given freedom. Because I’m convinced that with Rayan, you’ll always have a better chance of winning than losing.”
That comment echoes a sentiment shared by many who have followed Cherki since his early days in Lyon’s academy.
There has long been a belief that if his creativity is allowed to flourish, he can be the difference-maker in tight games.
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And for Guardiola, who has built his career on using technically gifted footballers to dominate matches, Rayan Cherki’s talent and his arrival at City seemed like a natural match.
His early performances in a City shirt have done little to challenge that assumption.
Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, unpredictable in one-on-one situations and always on the lookout for openings, Cherki has often provided a spark when City have needed it.
Meanwhile, This season places Cherki at the centre of multiple storylines.
Manchester City, still chasing domestic dominance and European glory, are expecting fresh contributions from younger squad members as part of Guardiola’s gradual transition to the next generation.
Cherki, with his blend of audacity and technical sharpness, appears well-positioned to become a central figure in that evolution.
