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Manchester City boss the Catalan coach, who has coached icons including Messi, Iniesta, and Xavi, has declared that Cherki is one of the most skillful individuals he has ever seen and is sure the youngster will embrace the collective approach at the Manchester outfit.

Comeback from Layoff

Cherki, who signed for City from the French club for £30.5m in time for the Club World Cup earlier this year, has managed just seven outings so far. After recovering from a muscle issue, he made a brief stint in the success versus Everton at the weekend, where he came close to assisting a goal for Erling Haaland.

He has travelled for the Villarreal game where he earn his Champions League bow in a City shirt.

Coach’s View

Despite asking for understanding, Guardiola found it hard to fully describe Cherki’s abilities, noting that the main question is how he fits in to the system and gets used to executing simpler tasks effectively.

“Cherki is one of the most outstanding players I have ever seen throughout my coaching life,” commented the coach, puffing out his cheeks. “On a technical level he is excellent. The issue is his integration and how he reads the game, what the match demands. He started during the Club World Cup, however there was a break. It’s about taking it gradually, though his skill is obvious: I have the sense that most of the time when the play reaches him, the attack becomes more dangerous.

“Not every time have to produce extraordinary things; he should simply play simple football. But he has a special quality. Like the pass for Erling against Everton, among many actions he can do.

“He is someone unfazed by tension in possession. He resembles a street footballer. He gets frustrated – ‘I want the ball’ – if he’s not involved, clearly. It’s only been a short time at the club; it requires some time as you have to build chemistry.”

When asked whether the Frenchman can integrate within the group dynamic, the manager answered: “Yes, definitely. Players like him have great feel, highly intelligent. They see everything.”

Recognition for González

Guardiola also praised Nico González, who is expected to play in the heart of the park. The team’s usual starter is present to Villarreal, and should be to be honoured ahead of the game at the Estadio de la Cerámica, but is out with a muscle problem.

The manager said: “I believe that Nico is getting better continuously. We’re really happy with his behavior and he ought to develop further. He is well-rounded, open-minded, a great character. His mum and dad must be very happy with the person and footballer he has become. He needs to stay true, yet while competing alongside top players, you gain experience. You notice how you can get better, though Nico must be Nico, certainly.”

Squad’s Improving Performance

Guardiola also was effusive about City’s improving displays. “We are scoring many goals, producing a wealth of chances, while also giving up little. We’ve played just eight league games plus two in European competition, yet I believe that every match improves upon the one before and is worse than the following.

“We discuss often what we can do better and how to understand situations better. I have great belief in the players and I’m aware these players are putting in the effort. We are displaying very good form.”