Rayan Cherki is a Genius, Praises Redknapp After Man City's Win

Jamie Redknapp has lauded Rayan Cherki as a "genius" following his impactful performance, which saw him score twice to help Manchester City secure a dominant 4-1 victory against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

While Erling Haaland opened and closed the scoring for City, it was Cherki's brace early in the second half that decisively shifted the momentum of the game away from Crystal Palace. His first goal was particularly impressive, as he skillfully weaved through Palace defenders before finding the net.

"Rayan Cherki painted a masterpiece," Redknapp commented to Sky Sports.

"It was an incredible goal. He truly felt like the difference-maker because his goals came at such a crucial juncture. He had such an amazing impact on the game."

"He is a genius; the things he can do with a football are simply extraordinary."

"There's a remarkable balance and poise to his play. When I watched it, the immediate thought was that there are very few Premier League players capable of executing such skill."

"To maintain such close control of the ball in such confined spaces, and then to have the audacity to shift it onto his left foot and place it precisely into the corner—it's outstanding."

"I think Eden Hazard, possibly, could have produced something similar. He was that kind of player, with a low center of gravity, who could somehow shield the ball and then guide it into the corner."

"Fans of Manchester City from a different era might recall Georgi Kinkladze. He had the ability to evade multiple players even in a tight space, and Cherki's play is very reminiscent of that."

"But Cherki is a beautiful player to watch."

"We've been discussing where he best fits into the team, given Enzo Maresca's preference for structure. I recall Elliot Anderson mentioning that Cherki needs to learn to maintain his positional discipline. However, with a talent like Cherki, you have to embrace his freedom—he's a maverick talent—and allow him to express himself."

"He admitted himself that he wasn't at his best in the first half, but in the second half, he completely transformed the game with a moment of pure brilliance."

Even before the match, Redknapp had expressed his admiration: "Modern managers often prioritize structure and are less keen on players who are somewhat undisciplined off the ball. But I go to football matches to witness players like [Cherki] perform."

"That's what brings me joy. I don't enjoy watching players simply pass sideways; that's not why I attend games. I go to see geniuses at work."

"Some managers may not fully appreciate it. But last week, he saved his manager's blushes because without him, they might not have won that game."

This was a reference to Cherki's two crucial assists after coming off the bench to turn the tide in City's opening Premier League fixture of the season against Bournemouth.

Redknapp firmly believes that Maresca must place his trust in Cherki's unique talent.

"If there was one criticism during his time at Chelsea, it was difficulty in getting Cole Palmer enough of the ball. I know he had some injuries, but it was about finding him in the right positions to impact the game."

"With players like Cherki, you must grant them freedom. You can't simply tell them to stay wide and expect the ball to come, then hope they'll come alive. There will be games where, perhaps if they sign a player like Enzo Fernandez, we'll see him, Bouaddi, and Elliot Anderson in midfield, and the approach might be more cautious. But there will also be games like tonight, where the match is tight and the score is 2-1, that's when you need players like Cherki who can simply go and create. Undoubtedly, if you ask Erling Haaland, he'll tell you how effectively Cherki finds him with those passes."

Is there anything Cherki could do differently?

Redknapp's only suggestion is for him to try even more, not less.

"Personally, I feel that because he's so adept at dribbling in tight spaces, he should do it more often. As soon as he gets near the penalty area, defenders become incredibly hesitant to tackle him."

"He can go on his left or his right foot. With some players, you instinctively know which foot they prefer to use when you play against them. With Cherki, you'd have no idea how to stop him."

"When he faced Gabriel [for his goal against Arsenal last season], he dropped his shoulder and went inside. In this instance, he went to his right. It's so effortless for him. The ball seems to be completely under his control."

Maresca's Verdict on Cherki

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca, speaking about Rayan Cherki:

"His performance for me was very good, not just because of the two goals but the way he worked off the ball. He had to press, he was responsible for pressing when Palace had the ball, he was in charge of tracking Adam Wharton, and I believe his game was complete, both with and without the ball."

"Firstly, he loves football, so it's much easier to work with him. And then, he's Rayan; that's just how he is. We know how good he is, we know the quality he possesses."

"At this moment, he's contributing to the team with his numbers in terms of assists and goals, and there's no doubt he will help the team even more in the future."