Pep Guardiola has expressed strong belief that Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki has limitless potential at the very top of the game.
Cherki has enjoyed a promising first campaign, contributing either a goal or an assist every 74 minutes, and has recently become a regular starter in Guardiola’s favoured line-up.
The £31 million signing from Lyon has brought creativity and flair to City’s attack, highlighted by a brilliant rabona assist for Phil Foden in the recent victory over Sunderland.
While Guardiola wants the 22-year-old to sharpen the basics of his game and improve his work without the ball, he has been highly impressed by Cherki’s early impact in the Premier League.
“The sky is the limit as the people say, right?” Guardiola said. “It depends on him. Whatever he wants to become, he can achieve it because of course he is an incredibly talented, talented player.”
The City manager has previously made similar comments about Foden before the academy graduate established himself as a key figure in the team. Cherki has added a fresh attacking option, as City also explore the possibility of completing a £65 million move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.
Should that deal be concluded, City are expected to allow one of their current attacking players to depart.
“Everything can happen,” Guardiola added. “Last season, when I started last season I never could expect to go in the transfer window with four or five players. It is open and everything can happen.”
Guardiola also joked about gaining weight during a short three-day Christmas break, when he travelled to Spain to see his father, Valenti.
He stressed that his players have consistently remained disciplined during the festive period throughout his time at the Etihad, noting that the squad returned in good condition after he warned them that their weights would be closely monitored ahead of the trip to Nottingham Forest.
“It is going really well – we are there,” Guardiola said. “In the Champions League we are up there, in the Premier League we are up there, we have the semi-final of the Carabao Cup. Some important players are coming back too. Rodri is much, much better.”
