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Etihad chief the Catalan coach, previously worked with legends such as Messi, Iniesta, and the midfield orchestrator, stated that Rayan Cherki stands out as the most skillful footballers he has ever witnessed and is confident the winger will adopt the team-first approach at the Manchester outfit.

Return from Injury

Cherki, who moved to the Sky Blues from Lyon in a £30.5m deal in time for the Club World Cup in June, has managed just seven outings so far. Following a a thigh injury, he had a short appearance in the 2-0 victory over Everton last matchday, where he nearly set up a strike for the Norwegian.

He has made the trip for the Villarreal game and could make his UCL bow with City.

Coach’s View

Although urging patience, the manager found it hard to fully describe the youngster’s qualities, admitting that the main question is how he fits in within the setup and learns to performing basic actions consistently.

“Cherki is some of the biggest talents I have ever seen throughout my coaching life,” stated the manager, exhaling deeply. “Technically and individually he is outstanding. The challenge is his integration and his perception of each situation, what the match demands. He played during the Club World Cup, though there was a break. It’s about taking it step by step, but his talent is clear: I believe that often when the play finds him, the attack becomes more dangerous.

“It’s not necessary for him to have to produce extraordinary things; sometimes he just needs play simple football. Yet he possesses a special quality. Such as the assist for the striker against Everton, along with numerous other things he can do.

“He is a player immune to pressure on the ball. He resembles a pickup game star. He shows annoyance – ‘give me the ball’ – when he doesn’t get it, you know. He’s been here for a short time at the club; it will take some time as you have to play together.”

Inquired if the youngster will adapt into the team ethos, he replied: “Yes, definitely. Players like him have great feel, incredibly bright. They see everything.”

Kudos for the Midfielder

The City manager likewise highlighted the midfielder, who is expected to play in the heart of the park. The Spanish midfielder is present back to his old team, and is likely recognized ahead of the game at the Estadio de la Cerámica, but is out with a muscle problem.

He commented: “I feel that González is progressing continuously. We’re really pleased with his approach and he should improve year by year. He is cultured, open-minded, a lovely guy. His parents have to be immensely happy with him as a human and athlete he is. He must be himself, and when featuring alongside top players, you continuously improve. You see how your game can improve, however, González should stick to his style, certainly.”

Squad’s Improving Performance

He likewise expressed delight regarding the team’s improving displays. “We put away many goals, generating lots of chances, while also giving up little. We’ve played just eight fixtures in the league as well as two in European competition, but I feel that each outing improves upon the previous one and will be surpassed by the following.

“We talk about frequently what we can do better and methods to interpret play more effectively. I hold strong belief in the team and I realize they are training intensely. We are displaying very good form.”