A few days after a total humiliation at the Etihad Stadium, Liverpool defender has admitted that one of the Manchester City new signings is truly talented and has a bright future ahead of him.
The defender Ibrahima Konaté praised Rayan Cherki and thrown his weight behind young midfielder, admitting that the he has all the tools to become a major force in world football.
He, however, claimed that this would be achieved only if he shoulders the responsibility for his own development.
Konaté spoke during a France national team press briefing covered by Le Parisien, where the topic naturally shifted to Cherki, who has burst into form this season and earned himself a place in Didier Deschamps’ squad.
Despite playing for Liverpool, a club locked in fierce rivalry with Manchester City, Konaté had no hesitation showing admiration for the 22-year-old’s skill set and temperament.
Cherki has had to work patiently under Pep Guardiola, who is known for gradually integrating technical players into his tactical system.
That slow-burn approach appears to be paying dividends. Cherki has already recorded three goals and three assists across nine appearances in all competitions, with his most recent outings displaying a level of confidence and maturity that has caught the attention of both fans and pundits.
Cherki becoming a rising force under Guardiola
The Frenchman’s breakthrough moments have come in short, explosive bursts.
His 11-minute cameo against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League showcased exactly why Guardiola has been keen to nurture him carefully.
In that brief spell, Cherki carved open the German side’s defence and scored a vital goal, reinforcing Guardiola’s belief in his creativity and flair.
Just before that, Cherki played a decisive role in Manchester City’s 3–1 win over Bournemouth, supplying two assists and constantly troubling defenders with his footwork and unpredictability.
Those performances have strengthened the view that the midfielder is beginning to understand what Guardiola demands from his players—discipline off the ball, sharp decision-making, and a higher level of tactical awareness.
Yet even as he earns more minutes under the City manager, there is a sense within French football circles that Cherki’s best is still to come.
His technique has long been admired, but consistency, physicality, and maturity are the next steps required if he is to become a regular starter in a squad stacked with world-class talent.
Ibrahima Konaté praised Rayan Cherki after playing with him in the national team. He believes the young playmaker is striking the right balance between expressiveness and efficiency—a combination that makes him an exciting prospect for France and Manchester City alike.
“He can achieve great things… But It all depends on him”
Despite being measured in his responses, Konaté did not shy away from praising Cherki’s qualities, particularly his flair and showmanship.
“I have to choose my words carefully on this subject,” he said.
“I don’t see any difference between Cherki at City and with Les Bleus. He’s very flamboyant, old-school, he likes to entertain the people who watch him.
“He’s two-footed. He’s going to take a big step forward in many areas. It depends on him, on his work, on what he delivers. He can achieve great things in the world of football with all his qualities. But it all depends on him.”
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Konaté’s message carries the tone of a senior professional offering guidance to a younger teammate: ability alone will not carry Cherki to the top.
The Liverpool centre-back has seen enough promising talents fade without achieving their potential and appears eager to ensure Cherki doesn’t follow that path.
His comments echo sentiments often expressed at Manchester City, where Guardiola frequently stresses the importance of focus, professionalism, and self-improvement.
Cherki’s natural flair has never been in doubt; what Guardiola and Deschamps want to see now is a sustained commitment to progress—maintaining defensive responsibilities, improving his decision-making speed, and learning how to influence matches over longer stretches rather than just in flashes.
