Jamie Redknapp could not contain his admiration for Rayan Cherki after the French winger netted a brace that helped Manchester City secure a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While Erling Haaland opened the scoring and added a second later on, it was Cherki’s two early‑second‑half strikes that truly turned the tide in City’s favour. Cherki’s first goal was a piece of artistry.
He weaved his way through a wall of Palace defenders, displaying a blend of close‑control dribbling and poise that left the opposition scrambling. With a delicate touch, he nudged the ball past the keeper and into the net, prompting Redknall to describe the effort as a "masterpiece" during his post‑match interview with Sky Sports. "It was an incredible goal. It came at a crucial moment and changed the complexion of the game," Redknapp said.
"He is a genius – the things he can do with a football are simply extraordinary." The former England midfielder went on to praise Cherki’s balance and composure, noting that very few Premier League players possess such a combination of technical skill and audacity. "In such tight spaces, with the ball glued to his feet, he still has the confidence to shift it onto his left and slot it into the corner," Redknapp added. When pressed for comparisons, Redknapp mentioned Eden Hazard as a possible parallel, citing the Belgian’s low centre of gravity and ability to glide past defenders.
He also invoked the memory of Georgian playmaker Georgi Kinkladze, a fan favourite at City in the early 2000s, who could "get past people in a telephone box" – a talent he felt Cherki mirrored today. "Cherki is a beautiful player," Redknapp continued. "We have been debating where he fits because Enzo Maresca likes structure. Elliot Anderson suggested he needs to stay disciplined in his position, but with a maverick talent like Cherki you have to give him the freedom to express himself.
He changed the game in the second half with a moment of pure brilliance." Redknapp also reflected on the broader tactical climate, observing that many modern managers prioritize rigid structures and dislike players who appear “loose” when out of possession. "I go to matches to watch players like Cherki," he said. "I don’t enjoy watching side‑to‑side passing for its own sake – I want to see geniuses at work.
Some coaches may not appreciate that, but his impact was undeniable." He recalled Cherki’s earlier contribution in City’s opening Premier League fixture of the season against Bournemouth, where the youngster came off the bench to provide two assists and helped the team claw back a lead. Redknapp believes that Enzo Maresca must place full trust in Cherki’s abilities, allowing him the creative latitude that fuels his best performances. Addressing past criticisms of Cherki’s time at Chelsea, Redknapp noted that the primary complaint was the lack of service from Cole Palmer rather than any flaw in Cherki’s own play. He acknowledged that injuries had hampered the Frenchman’s consistency, but emphasized that the key to unlocking his potential lies in positioning him where he can receive the ball in dangerous areas.
"With players like Cherki you must grant them freedom. You cannot simply tell them to stay wide and wait for a pass," Redknapp warned. "There will be matches where a more disciplined midfield – perhaps featuring Enzo Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Elliot Anderson – is required, but there will also be games like tonight’s where you need someone who can create out of nothing. Even Haaland benefits from those incisive passes." When asked if there was anything Cherki could improve, Redknapp urged the youngster to embrace his dribbling strengths even more.
"Because he is so effective in tight spaces, he should use that skill set more often. Defenders are terrified to engage him in the box," he explained. "He is comfortable on both feet, making it impossible for opponents to predict which side he’ll favor." Redknapp illustrated his point by recalling a past encounter with Gabriel Jesus, where Cherki dropped his shoulder, cut inside, and unleashed a right‑footed strike that seemed effortless – as if the ball were attached to a string.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca also weighed in on Cherki’s display, highlighting not just the two goals but the overall work rate. "He pressed intelligently, commanded the midfield when Palace had possession, and was a complete player both on and off the ball," Maresca said. "His love for the game makes it easier to work with him, and his quality is evident.
He is already contributing assists and goals, and there’s no doubt he will become even more vital to the squad in the future." In summary, both Redknapp and Maresca see Cherki as a rare talent whose creativity and flair can lift Manchester City in moments when structure alone is insufficient. Their consensus is clear: to reap the full benefits of his genius, the club must allow him the latitude to roam, improvise, and produce moments of magic that can decide matches.