Jamie Redknapp could not contain his enthusiasm after Rayan Cherki’s dazzling display helped Manchester City secure a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While Erling Haaland opened and closed the scoring, it was Cherki’s brace early in the second half that truly swung the match in City’s favour. His first goal was a piece of artistry – the French teenager weaved through a wall of Palace defenders before delicately poking the ball into the net.
Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, described the strike as a "masterpiece" and went on to praise Cherki’s overall impact. "It was an incredible goal.
It came at a crucial moment and changed the complexion of the game," he said. "He is a genius – the things he can do with a football are simply astonishing." The former England midfielder highlighted the balance and composure Cherki displayed. "When I watched it, the first thing that struck me was how few Premier League players possess that blend of close‑control and audacity.
In a tight space, he kept the ball glued to his feet, then with a flick to his left he sent it curling into the corner of the net." Redknapp even drew parallels with past greats, suggesting that Eden Hazard might have been capable of a similar maneuver, given Hazard’s low centre of gravity and ability to glide past opponents. He also invoked the memory of Georgi Kinkladze, a Manchester City legend known for slipping through defenses as if they were telephone boxes, noting that Cherki’s style reminded fans of that bygone era. "Cherki is a beautiful player," Redknapp added. The conversation then turned to tactical considerations.
Enzo Maresca, City’s manager, is known for imposing structure, and Redknapp admitted that there has been debate about where Cherki fits within that framework. He referenced a discussion with Elliot Anderson, who suggested the young winger needs to learn to hold his position. However, Redknapp argued that a player of Cherki’s calibre requires freedom to express his talent.
"He is a maverick," Redknapp said. "You have to let him do his thing." He recalled Cherki’s own admission that his first‑half performance was underwhelming, only to transform the match in the second half with a moment of brilliance.
This sentiment echoed Redknapp’s broader view of modern football: many managers now demand rigid structure and shy away from players who appear loose when out of possession. Yet Redknapp attends matches to watch players like Cherki, whose creativity brings him joy.
"I don’t enjoy watching sideways passes; I come to see geniuses at work," he explained. Redknapp also referenced Cherki’s earlier contributions, noting that the Frenchman had provided two assists after coming off the bench in City’s opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, rescuing his side from a precarious position. He believes Maresca must place trust in Cherki’s abilities.
"One criticism of his time at Chelsea was that he didn’t get enough service from Cole Palmer," Redknapp said. "Injuries aside, it was about finding him in the right spaces. With a talent like Cherki, you must grant him liberty.
You can’t simply tell him to stay on the wing and wait for the ball." Looking ahead, Redknapp speculated on how Cherki might fit into different line‑ups. He suggested that if City were to sign Enzo Fernández, the midfield could feature Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson, allowing Cherki to operate with a bit more defensive responsibility. Yet he emphasized that in tight games, such as a 2‑1 scenario, a player of Cherki’s ingenuity can be decisive, delivering the kind of incisive passes that even Haaland relies on. When asked whether Cherki could improve, Redknapp’s answer was simple: more of the same.
"He is exceptional in tight spaces; he should exploit that more. Defenders are terrified to engage him in the box," he noted. "He can use either foot, and opponents never know which direction he will take. When he faced Gabriel in the Arsenal game last season, he dropped his shoulder, cut inside, and finished with his right foot as if the ball were attached to a string." Enzo Maresca himself praised Cherki’s all‑round performance, not just the two goals.
"He worked tirelessly off the ball, pressing aggressively and taking charge when Palace had possession. He dominated his marker, Adam Wharton, and delivered a complete game both on and off the ball," Maresca said.
"He loves football, which makes coaching him easier, and his quality is evident. He already contributes with goals and assists, and there’s no doubt he will become even more vital for us in the future." In summary, Redknapp’s exuberant endorsement underscores a belief that Cherki’s flair should be nurtured rather than restrained. While modern managers often prioritize tactical rigidity, the former England star argues that allowing a player of Cherki’s imagination the freedom to roam can unlock moments of magic that change matches. As City continue their campaign, the partnership between Maresca’s structure and Cherki’s creative liberty may prove to be a formula for sustained success.