Jamie Redknapp could not contain his admiration for Rayan Cherki after the French playmaker netted a brace that helped Manchester City secure a 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While Erling Haaland opened the scoring and added a second, it was Cherki’s two second‑half goals that truly swung the momentum in City’s favour. The first of Cherki’s strikes was a piece of art. He weaved his way through a wall of Palace defenders, displaying a blend of close‑control dribbling and composure before calmly slotting the ball home.
Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, described the moment as "a masterpiece" and praised the youngster’s impact, saying, "It was an incredible goal. He changed the game at a crucial moment and had an amazing influence on the flow of play." "He is a genius – the things he can do with a football are simply astonishing," Redknapp continued. He highlighted Cherki’s balance and poise, noting that 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 had the confidence to shift it to his left and curl it into the corner," Redknapp observed.
When asked to compare Cherki with past greats, Redknapp mentioned Eden Hazard, pointing out the Belgian’s low centre of gravity and ability to glide past opponents. He also evoked the memory of Georgian midfielder Georgi Kinkladze, a player Manchester City supporters of an earlier era still cherish for his ability to slip through defenses as if they were telephone boxes. "Cherki is a beautiful player," Redknapp affirmed, emphasizing that his talent is both rare and captivating.
The conversation then turned to Cherki’s role within Enzo Maresca’s system. Redknapp explained that Maresca values structure, and that some younger players, such as Elliot Anderson, need to learn positional discipline. However, with a maverick talent like Cherki, the manager must allow a degree of creative freedom. "He is a maverick, and you have to let him express himself," Redknapp said.
He recalled Cherki’s own admission that his first‑half performance was modest, but that he completely transformed the second half with a moment of brilliance. Redknapp also addressed a broader tactical trend, noting that many modern managers prioritize rigidity and dislike players who appear “loose” when out of possession.
Yet, for him, the joy of watching football lies in witnessing players like Cherki who bring flair and unpredictability. "I go to matches to see geniuses at work, not to watch side‑to‑side passing drills," he remarked, adding that some coaches might not appreciate such freedom, but the results speak for themselves. He referenced 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 that rescued a point. That performance, according to Redknapp, proved that Cherki can be a decisive factor when the team needs him.
Looking ahead, Redknapp believes Maresca must place full trust in Cherki’s abilities. He recalled criticism from Cherki’s time at Chelsea, where the player was said to have struggled to receive enough service from Cole Palmer.
Injuries aside, Redknapp argued that the solution lies in positioning Cherki where he can thrive rather than forcing him into a wing role that stifles his creativity. The former midfielder also speculated on future tactical setups.
Should City sign Enzo Fernández, Redknapp envisaged a midfield featuring Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Elliot Anderson, which might require Cherki to adapt his positioning. Yet he emphasized that in tightly contested matches, such as a 2‑1 scenario, a player of Cherki’s imagination is indispensable. "He can create chances out of nothing, and even Haaland benefits from his passes," Redknapp noted. When asked if there was anything Cherki could improve, Redknapp’s answer was simple: more of the same.
He encouraged the youngster to exploit his dribbling prowess in congested areas even more often, because defenders are often hesitant to engage him directly. "He can use either foot, and opponents never know which side he'll choose," Redknapp explained. He cited an example from 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.
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City’s head coach, also weighed in on Cherki’s performance. He praised the Frenchman not just for the two goals but for his overall work rate, both on and off the ball.
Maresca highlighted Cherki’s pressing, his defensive contributions against Palace’s Adam Wharton, and his ability to influence the game in multiple phases. "He loves football, which makes him easier to work with, and his quality is evident in both goals and assists. He will only become more important for the team in the future," Maresca said.
In summary, both Redknapp and Maresca see Cherki as a rare talent whose freedom on the pitch can unlock extraordinary moments. While structure remains important, allowing a player of Cherki’s calibre to operate with a degree of liberty may be the key to unlocking even more spectacular performances for Manchester City.