Cherki a 'special talent', says Mbappe

Last month, Pep Guardiola described Rayan Cherki as "one of the huge talents I have ever seen" and now Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has had his say on the Manchester City forward.

France captain Mbappe has played with some sensational footballers during his illustrious career including Lionel Messi, Neymar and Karim Benzema.

But speaking before his side's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Thursday, Mbappe said: "Cherki is a special talent. He has a gift that he is exploiting, this innate and very spectacular talent."

Cherki scored on his City debut against Wolves but was ruled out for six weeks with a thigh injury. However, since returning, he has chalked up two goals and two assists - both for Erling Haaland - in his past four games.

Mbappe added: "He has integrated very well into the group, just as he integrated very well at Manchester City, which is not easy.

"We can see that he has already created a special connection with his number nine."

Mbappe and Cherki could face each other on 10 December, when City travel to Real Madrid in the group phase of the Champions League.