Jamie Redknapp could not contain his admiration for Rayan Cherki after the French prodigy netted a brace that helped Manchester City overturn a 1-0 deficit and secure a 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While Erling Haaland opened the scoring and added a second later on, it was Cherki’s two second‑half strikes that truly shifted the momentum in City’s favour.
The first of Cherki’s goals was a piece of pure artistry. He glided through a cluster of Palace defenders, his close‑control dribbling reminiscent of a dancer, before delicately poking the ball into the net.
Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, described the moment as "a masterpiece" and lauded the youngster’s impact, noting that the timing of the goals was crucial. "It was an incredible goal. He changed the game at a pivotal moment and his influence was extraordinary," the former England midfielder said.
Redknapp went on to call Cherki a "genius," emphasizing the extraordinary things he can achieve with a football. He highlighted the player’s balance and poise, remarking that few Premier League athletes possess such a blend of composure and audacity. "In such tight spaces, with the ball glued to his feet, he still has the daring to shift it onto his left and place it into the corner," Redknapp added. When asked which past players reminded him of Cherki, Redknapp mentioned Eden Hazard, noting the similarity in low centre of gravity and the ability to slip the ball into a corner under pressure.
He also invoked the memory of Georgian wizard Georgi Kinkladze, a player Manchester City supporters of an earlier era still cherish for his ability to navigate through defenders as if they were a telephone box. "Cherki is a beautiful player," Redknapp affirmed, before turning to tactical considerations. He explained that manager Enzo Maresca is still figuring out where Cherki fits best within the squad’s structure. While some teammates, such as Elliot Anderson, have been urged to maintain positional discipline, Redknapp argued that a talent like Cherki requires freedom.
"He is a maverick; you have to let him express himself," the pundit said. According to Redknapp, Cherki admitted that his first‑half performance was modest, but the second half saw him unleash a moment of brilliance that turned the match on its head. Even before the game, Redknapp had warned that modern managers often demand rigid structure and can be wary of players who appear loose when out of possession. Yet he confessed that his own love for football lies in watching players like Cherki.
"I go to matches to see geniuses at work, not to watch sideways passes. Some coaches may not appreciate that, but last week Cherki rescued his team with two assists after coming off the bench against Bournemouth," Redknapp recalled, referencing the Frenchman’s decisive contributions in City’s opening Premier League fixture of the season.
Redknapp believes Maresca must place his trust in Cherki’s unique abilities. He noted that during Cherki’s stint at Chelsea, a common criticism was the lack of service from Cole Palmer, compounded by injury setbacks and perhaps an inability to position him optimally.
"Players like Cherki need freedom; you can’t simply tell them to stay on the wing and wait for the ball," he argued. Looking ahead, Redknapp speculated that if City were to sign Enzo Fernández, the midfield could feature a blend of Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson, allowing Cherki to operate with even more latitude. When asked whether Cherki could improve, Redknapp’s answer was simple: he wants the youngster to try more, not less. "Because he is so adept at dribbling in tight areas, he should use that skill more often.
Defenders are terrified to engage him as soon as he enters the box," he said. Cherki’s ambidexterity, the ability to strike with either foot, makes him unpredictable. Redknapp illustrated this with an example from a previous encounter against Arsenal, where Cherki dropped his shoulder, cut inside, and effortlessly flicked the ball with his right foot, as if the ball were attached to a string. City manager Enzo Maresca also praised Cherki’s all‑round performance, emphasizing that his contribution went beyond the two goals.
"He worked tirelessly off the ball, pressed aggressively, and took charge when Palace had possession. His overall game was complete," Maresca said.
He added that Cherki’s love for football makes him easier to coach and that his blend of goals and assists will only become more valuable as he matures. In summary, both Redknapp and Maresca see Cherki as a rare talent whose creativity, technical brilliance and fearless approach can unlock games for Manchester City. While managers may seek structure, the consensus among those who have watched him closely is that granting him the liberty to express his natural flair is essential. If Cherki continues to develop under this philosophy, his genius could become a defining feature of City’s attacking arsenal for years to come.