Jamie Redknapp could not contain his admiration for Rayan Cherki after the French prodigy netted a brace that turned Manchester City’s 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park into a showcase of pure talent. While Erling Haaland opened and closed the scoring ledger, it was Cherki’s two second‑half strikes that truly shifted the momentum in City’s favour. His first goal was a work of art: he glided past a wall of Palace defenders, weaving with a balletic grace before slotting the ball home with a delicate touch.
Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, described the moment as "a masterpiece". He went on to say, "It was an incredible goal. It made all the difference because the goals arrived at such a crucial stage.
The impact he had on the match was phenomenal. He is a genius – the things he can do with a football are simply astounding." The former England midfielder highlighted Cherki’s balance and composure, noting that few Premier League players possess such a blend of technical skill and audacity.
"In such tight quarters, holding the ball with that level of control and then daringly shifting it to his left to finish in the corner – it’s rare," Redknapp added. He drew comparisons with past greats, suggesting that while Eden Hazard could have produced a similar move, and the legendary Georgian playmaker Georgi Kinkladze was known for slipping through defenses as if they were telephone booths, Cherki brings a fresh, beautiful style to the game. When asked about the Frenchman’s role within Enzo Maresca’s system, Redknapp stressed the importance of giving the youngster freedom. "We’ve been discussing where he fits because Maresca likes structure.
Elliot Anderson, for example, needs to learn to stay in his position. But with a talent like Cherki, you have to accept his freedom – he’s a maverick, and you must let him express himself," he explained.
Redknapp recalled Cherki’s own admission that he felt ineffective in the first half, only to explode with brilliance after the break. He also commented on the broader tactical climate, observing that many managers now prioritize rigidity and dislike players who appear loose when out of possession.
"I go to matches to watch people like Cherki play. That’s what makes me smile.
I don’t enjoy watching teams pass sideways for the sake of it – I’m here to see geniuses at work," Redknapp said. He praised Cherki’s influence in City’s earlier Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, where the French winger came off the bench to provide two assists that rescued the team from a precarious position. Redknapp believes Maresca must place his trust in Cherki’s abilities.
He pointed out that one criticism of Cherki’s time at Chelsea was the limited service he received from Cole Palmer, compounded by injury setbacks and positional mismatches. "With players like Cherki, you have to give them liberty.
You can’t simply tell them to stay on the wing and wait for a pass – they need space to create," he argued. He hinted at future tactical variations, suggesting that if City sign Enzo Fernández, the midfield could feature a blend of Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson, allowing Cherki to operate with even more freedom in tighter games.
Addressing how Cherki might evolve, Redknapp urged the youngster to exploit his dribbling prowess even more. "Because he is so effective in tight areas, he should use that skill more often. Defenders are terrified to engage him when he enters the box," he said. Redknapp noted Cherki’s ambidexterity, explaining that unlike many players who favor one foot, Cherki can threaten from either side, making him unpredictable.
He recalled a previous encounter with Gabriel (referring to a goal against Arsenal), where Cherki dropped his shoulder, cut inside, and finished with his right foot as if the ball were attached to a string. City manager Enzo Maresca also praised Cherki’s all‑round contribution. "His performance was excellent, not just because of the two goals but also because of his work off the ball. He pressed aggressively, took charge when Palace had possession, and dominated his direct opponent, Adam Wharton.
It was a complete performance," Maresca said. He added that Cherki’s love for the game makes him easier to work with and that his current statistics – goals and assists – are just the beginning of what he can offer the squad. In summary, both Redknapp and Maresca see Cherki as a rare talent whose creativity can lift Manchester City in crucial moments. While tactical discipline remains important, allowing the French winger the freedom to roam and express his innate genius could be the key to unlocking even more spectacular performances in the Premier League.
The consensus is clear: Cherki is not just a promising youngster; he is a genuine football artist whose canvas is the pitch, and his brushstrokes are already painting memorable scenes for City supporters.