“I Never Saw Messi Do That Cross” — Guardiola Praises Cherki With Rare Messi Comparison
The Manchester City manager praises Cherki’s composure, skill, and intelligence in the final third, calling him a special talent with huge potential.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has offered one of his highest forms of praise to new signing Rayan Cherki after the forward delivered another eye-catching performance in the 3–0 win over Sunderland. The victory moves City to within just two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, tightening what is becoming one of the most competitive title races of recent years.
Cherki, only 22, produced one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend when he created Phil Foden’s third goal with a stunning rabona cross — a piece of skill that electrified the Etihad and instantly went viral. But while most fans and pundits focused on that moment of brilliance, Guardiola insisted that what makes Cherki truly special is something far more subtle.
A Crucial Win As Title Pressure Grows
Manchester City knew they could not afford another slip-up after watching Aston Villa beat Arsenal earlier in the day. Sunderland, seen as one of the surprise packages of the season, have caused issues for several top sides. But City were clinical, organised, and far more controlled than in recent weeks, especially after several second-half collapses.
City’s three goals and clean sheet were a clear sign that Guardiola wants ruthlessness to return. This match mattered — and the manager’s reaction afterwards made that very clear.
Cherki Steps Up When It Matters Most
Cherki has quickly become one of the most exciting stories of City’s season. His confidence late in the 5–4 win at Fulham earned him a start here, and he showed exactly why Guardiola trusts him. At Fulham, when City were threatening to throw the match away, Cherki calmly kept the ball, made smart passes and helped settle the team.
Guardiola highlighted that maturity, saying Cherki showed “huge personality” in those final minutes and proved he is not afraid of big pressure.
His display against Sunderland was even better. His rabona cross for Foden was the most dramatic moment — a flash of street-football creativity that stunned supporters in the stadium. Foden immediately sprinted to celebrate with him, recognising the brilliance of the assist.
But Guardiola was more interested in another side of Cherki’s game.
The Messi Comparison That Turned Heads
Pep Guardiola does not compare players to Lionel Messi lightly. In fact, he almost never does. But on Sunday, he made an exception.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola said:
“Rayan is an exceptional player… In the final third he has something special. What I admire the most about Rayan is not the skills. I never saw Messi play a cross like he has done… The simple things he does perfectly.”
Guardiola explained that Messi’s greatness was built on doing “the simple things with no mistakes,” and he sees that same foundation in Cherki. He stressed that while the rabona cross was spectacular, it is Cherki’s calm, mistake-free passing and intelligent movement that make him think of Messi during his early Barcelona years.
According to Guardiola, the rabona cross was not something he would ever coach or instruct. “They have to play,” he said. “Before the cross was done, I didn’t tell Rayan to put the right leg behind the left. They have freedom in the final third.”
It was a remarkable compliment — high praise wrapped inside analysis and guidance.
Simple Football, Big Results
Guardiola added a clear message to the young forward: keep doing the basics perfectly, and the rest will come naturally. He explained that Cherki’s special talent will only shine if the simple work — passing, positioning, ball control — remains clean and disciplined.
He said: “If he doesn’t work now it will be a problem. He will be in trouble. We want players to do the simple things well, then with their special talent they can do whatever they want.”
This is classic Guardiola — demanding discipline before creativity. But for Cherki, it is also a sign that City believe he could develop into a complete, world-class forward.
A Promise of More to Come
Three goals, a clean sheet, and a manager glowing with praise — it was a strong day for Manchester City. The result keeps them firmly alive in the title race, and the growing influence of Rayan Cherki gives Guardiola another exciting weapon as the season enters its toughest months.
For City fans, the message is simple: Cherki is only getting started. And if Guardiola is already mentioning Messi in the same breath, the Premier League might soon have another superstar on its hands.
