Jamie Redknapp could not contain his enthusiasm after Rayan Cherki produced a dazzling display 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, it was Cherki’s two strikes early in the second half that truly swung the momentum in City’s favour. The French prodigy’s first goal was a piece of art: he weaved through a wall of Palace defenders, then slipped the ball past the goalkeeper with a delicate touch that left the crowd gasping. Redknapp, speaking to Sky Sports, described the moment as a "masterpiece" and went on to label Cherki a "genius" for the sheer quality he displayed.
"It was an incredible goal," Redknapp said. "He changed the game at a crucial juncture and his impact was immediate. The way he controls the ball, the balance he shows, and the audacity to shift it onto his left foot and place it into the corner – it’s something you rarely see in the Premier League." He drew comparisons with a few of the game’s historic dribblers, noting that only a handful of Premier League players possess such low‑centre‑of‑gravity agility. "Eden Hazard could perhaps have done something similar," Redknapp mused, "and Georgi Kinkladze, who could slip through a crowd the size of a telephone box, comes to mind as well.
But Cherki is a beautiful player in his own right." The conversation then turned to the tactical side of things. Redknapp explained that Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca values structure, yet he believes that a talent like Cherki needs room to breathe. "We’ve been discussing where Cherki fits in because Maresca likes a disciplined shape," Redknapp said. "Elliot Anderson mentioned that Cherki has to learn to stay in his position, but with a maverick of his calibre you must give him freedom.
He transformed the second half with a moment of pure brilliance, and that’s what we need." Redknapp also reflected on a broader trend in modern football, where many managers prioritize rigid systems over individual flair. "Most coaches want players to stay compact when out of possession, but I go to matches to watch players like Cherki.
That’s what makes me smile. I’m not interested in watching sideways passes; I want to see geniuses at work. Some managers won’t appreciate that, but last week Cherki rescued his team with two assists after coming off the bench against Bournemouth, proving his value." He continued, emphasizing that Maresca must trust Cherki’s instincts.
"One criticism of his time at Chelsea was that he didn’t get enough service from Cole Palmer, partly due to injuries and positioning. With a player like Cherki you can’t lock him on the wing and expect him to wait for the ball – you have to let him create. In games where the midfield is packed, a player with his skill set can unlock the defense with a single pass or dribble." Looking ahead, Redknapp imagined a City side where Cherki operates alongside potential signings such as Enzo Fernández, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Elliot Anderson.
"There will be matches where a more structured approach works, but there will also be tight games where you need a player who can produce magic in the final third. Haaland himself benefits from Cherki’s creativity." When asked if Cherki could improve, Redknapp’s answer was simple: more of the same.
"He is exceptional in tight spaces, and he should exploit that more often. Defenders are terrified to engage him because he can go either way with his left or right foot.
When he faced Gabriel in the Arsenal game last season, he dropped his shoulder, cut inside, and the ball seemed to be on a string for him." City’s manager Enzo Maresca also praised the youngster. "His performance was outstanding, not just for the two goals but for 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, both on and off the ball." Maresca added that Cherki’s love for the game makes him easier to manage. "Rayan is a special talent. We know his quality, and he is already contributing with goals and assists. There’s no doubt he will become even more influential as he matures." In summary, Redknapp’s verdict is clear: Cherki is a rare talent whose brilliance should be nurtured rather than constrained.
He urges Maresca to grant the French winger the creative liberty he needs, arguing that the player’s dribbling, vision, and composure in tight areas are assets that can turn ordinary matches into spectacular victories. As City continue their campaign, the partnership between a structured manager and a free‑spirited genius could prove to be a formula for sustained success.