Cherki 'one of the huge talents' - Guardiola
- Published
Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Thomas Muller, Kevin de Bruyne, Erling Haaland - just some of the stellar names Pep Guardiola has coached in illustrious his career.
But the Spaniard has possibly picked out a surprise name as a "top" prospect.
"Rayan [Cherki] is one of the huge talents I have ever seen in my career, technically and individually," said Guardiola. "He is top."
France international Cherki signed from Lyon for £30m in the summer and featured at the Club World Cup, before scoring in the opening Premier League game of the season at Wolves.
However, after suffering a thigh injury in August, he missed six games before returning during Saturday's victory over Everton.
"The question is how he settles into what we want to do and how he reads every action that the game needs," Guardiola said. "He started really well at the [Club] World Cup but has been off for a few weeks.
"[With] the talent that he has, I have the feeling that most of the time the ball comes to him the situation [will be] better. Not all the time he has to do exceptional things - he just has to play football.
"But he has something. I like that he doesn't feel the pressure, he's like a street player and give me the ball, give me the ball. He has had a short time here and he needs time. These type of players are so intuitive. They see everything."