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Manchester City boss the Catalan coach, who has worked with greats like Messi, Iniesta, and the midfield orchestrator, has declared that Cherki stands out as the most talented individuals he has ever observed and is confident the winger will adopt the collective mentality at the club.

Comeback from Layoff

Cherki, who joined the Sky Blues from Lyon for a fee of £30.5 million just before the FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, has managed only seven appearances to date. After recovering from a muscle issue, he came on for a five-minute stint in the success over Everton at the weekend, during which he almost created a strike for the Norwegian.

Now, he has made the trip for the Villarreal game potentially make his European bow with City.

Guardiola’s Insight

Although urging understanding, the boss struggled to fully describe the youngster’s qualities, noting that the only concern could be how he adapts to the system and adapts to doing simpler tasks well.

“Cherki is some of the most outstanding players I’ve come across during my time,” stated the manager, exhaling deeply. “Technically and individually he is top-class. The issue is how he settles and his understanding of the game, what every action needs. He featured in the intercontinental cup, though he was sidelined. It’s about taking it step by step, yet his ability is undeniable: I believe that frequently when the ball comes to him, things get better.

“It’s not necessary for him to have to produce spectacular moves; sometimes he just needs make basic plays. But he has that something. For example, the through ball for Erling late in the game, plus countless plays he can do.

“He is someone unfazed by stress on the ball. He resembles a pickup game star. He is grumpy – ‘give me the ball’ – if he’s not involved, obviously. He hasn’t been a brief period in the team; it will take some time as you have to play together.”

Inquired whether the Frenchman can integrate with the collective spirit, the manager answered: “Yes, definitely. Players like him are very intuitive, highly intelligent. They see everything.”

Praise for Nico

The City manager additionally commended the midfielder, who appears set to play in central midfield. The team’s usual starter has travelled to Villarreal, where he is celebrated pre-kickoff at the Estadio de la Cerámica, but is unavailable due to a muscle injury.

The manager said: “I feel that Nico is improving continuously. We are very happy with his behavior and he ought to improve year by year. He is cultured, open-minded, a wonderful person. His mum and dad must be very pleased about the person and footballer he’s grown into. He must be himself, yet while competing with elite teammates, you always learn. You notice how your performance elevates, but Nico should stick to his style, certainly.”

Team’s Strong Form

Guardiola also spoke glowingly on the club’s current form. “We net a lot of goals, generating lots of opportunities, and we are not conceding much. It’s only eight fixtures in the league as well as two on the continental stage, but I feel that each game is better than the last and will be surpassed by the upcoming.

“We discuss a lot what we can do better and how to read the game more effectively. I possess immense confidence in the team and I know these players are working hard. We are showing strong shape.”