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Etihad chief Guardiola, previously guided icons including Messi, the Spanish genius, and Xavi Hernández, affirmed that Rayan Cherki is one of the most gifted footballers he has ever witnessed and is confident the youngster will buy into the collective mentality at the club.

Return from Injury

The Frenchman, who moved to the Sky Blues from Lyon for £30.5m in time for the Club World Cup in June, has made just seven outings so far. Coming back from a thigh problem, he came on for a five-minute cameo in the win against the Toffees recently, in which he came close to assisting a third for Haaland.

He is heading for the Villarreal game where he make his Champions League debut with City.

Coach’s View

While calling for patience, Guardiola struggled to put into words the youngster’s qualities, noting that the main question is how he fits in into the structure and gets used to performing simpler tasks consistently.

“Cherki is some of the biggest talents I have ever seen throughout my coaching life,” Guardiola said, showing amazement. “In terms of skill he is outstanding. The challenge is how he adapts and how he reads play, what the match demands. He started at the Club World Cup, but then there was a break. We have to go slowly, though his skill is undeniable: I have the sense that often when possession reaches him, the attack becomes more dangerous.

“It’s not necessary for him to have to produce extraordinary things; he ought to keep it straightforward. But he has a special quality. Such as the assist for the striker late in the game, along with numerous plays he can do.

“He’s the type immune to pressure when receiving the ball. He resembles a pickup game star. He shows annoyance – ‘I want the ball’ – when he’s overlooked, you know. It’s only been not long at the club; it requires a bit since it’s vital to play together.”

Questioned if Cherki can integrate with the collective spirit, he replied: “Absolutely. Such individuals are so instinctive, incredibly bright. They perceive it all.”

Praise for Nico

Guardiola also praised Nico González, who is likely to feature in the engine room. Rodri has travelled back to his old team, and is likely recognized ahead of the game in Villarreal, but is unavailable because of a fitness issue.

The manager said: “I believe that González is getting better consistently. We are very pleased with his attitude and he ought to develop further. He is refined, open-minded, a lovely guy. His parents must be very happy with him as a human and athlete he’s grown into. He has to remain authentic, and when featuring next to world-class talent, you continuously improve. You see how you can get better, though Nico has to be himself, without a doubt.”

Team’s Strong Form

The manager additionally spoke glowingly on the club’s improving displays. “We are scoring a lot of goals, producing a wealth of chances, and at the same time letting in very few. We’ve played just eight league games and two in European competition, though I sense that each outing tops the previous one yet is inferior to the following.

“We analyze often what we can do better and how we can interpret play more effectively. I hold strong confidence in the players and I realize they are working hard. We are showing strong shape.”