Jamie Redknapp could not contain his admiration for Rayan Cherki after the French playmaker netted a brace that turned Manchester City’s match against Crystal Palace into a 4‑1 triumph 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 art.
He glided through a cluster of Palace defenders, his close‑control dribbling reminiscent of a dancer, before slipping the ball home with a delicate touch. The second was equally spectacular: after receiving the ball under pressure, he feigned to the right, then flicked it with his left foot into the far corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, described the performance as "a masterpiece" and went on to call Cherki "a genius".
He praised the youngster’s ability to produce moments of magic at crucial moments, noting that the goals arrived at a time when the match was finely balanced. "He has an incredible impact on the game," Redknapp said. "The things he can do with a football are just unbelievable." The former England midfielder highlighted Cherki’s balance and poise, stating that few Premier League players possess such a blend of technical skill and confidence.
"In such tight spaces, with the ball glued to his feet, he still has the audacity to shift it to his left and place it in the corner. It’s a rare sight," Redknapp added.
When asked to compare Cherki with other great dribblers, Redknapp mentioned Eden Hazard as a possible parallel, citing the Belgian’s low centre of gravity and ability to weave through defenders. He also recalled Georgian midfielder Georgi Kinkladze, a cult figure for Manchester City fans in the 1990s, who could slip through a crowd as if it were a telephone box. "Cherki reminds me of those players, but he brings his own unique beauty to the pitch," Redknapp said. The conversation then turned to tactical considerations.
Redknapp noted that City manager Enzo Maresca values structure, yet he also recognises that a talent like Cherki thrives when given freedom. He referenced a recent interview with Elliot Anderson, who suggested that Cherki needs to learn to hold his position, but Redknapp argued that the player’s maverick nature requires a degree of latitude. "He transformed the game in the second half with a moment of genius," Redknapp observed, emphasizing that Cherki admitted his first‑half performance was modest. Redknapp also reflected on the broader football landscape, stating that many modern managers prefer disciplined, structured players and are wary of those who appear “loose” when out of possession.
Yet for him, the joy of watching football lies in witnessing players like Cherki who bring creativity and flair. "I don’t watch matches just to see sideways passes; I watch to see geniuses at work," he declared. He recalled Cherki’s earlier impact in the season, when the youngster came off the bench against Bournemouth and supplied two assists that rescued City from a potential defeat. Redknapp believes Maresca must place trust in Cherki’s abilities, even if the young man’s time at Chelsea was criticised for not involving Cole Palmer enough.
Injuries aside, Redknapp argues that finding the right position for a player of Cherki’s calibre is essential. Discussing the need for player freedom, Redknapp warned against restricting Cherki to a static wing role. "You cannot tell a player to stay wide and wait for the ball; you have to let him express himself," he said. He speculated that future line‑ups could see Enzo Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson anchoring the midfield, giving Cherki more licence to roam and create.
In tighter games, such as the 2‑1 victory over Palace, he believes a player with Cherki’s imagination is indispensable, especially when delivering passes that even Haaland can finish. When asked what Cherki could improve, Redknapp’s answer was simple: more of the same. He urged the youngster to utilise his dribbling prowess in tight areas even more frequently, noting that defenders are often hesitant to engage him inside the box. Cherki’s ambidexterity makes him unpredictable; he can cut inside on either foot, leaving opponents guessing.
Redknapp cited a previous encounter with Gabriel (referring to a goal against Arsenal) where Cherki dropped his shoulder, slipped inside, and finished effortlessly, as if the ball were attached to a string. City boss Enzo Maresca also weighed in, praising Cherki’s overall contribution, not just his goal tally.
Maresca highlighted the Frenchman’s work rate off the ball, his pressing, and his defensive responsibilities against Palace’s attackers. "He loves football, which makes him easier to work with," Maresca said. "His quality is evident, and he’s already adding assists and goals. He will only become more vital as the season progresses." In summary, both Redknapp and Maresca see Cherki as a rare talent capable of altering matches with moments of brilliance.
While structure remains important for modern managers, the pair agree that allowing a player of Cherki’s creativity to operate with a degree of freedom can unlock extraordinary results for Manchester City.