Eden Hazard assesses if Rayan Cherki can be Kevin De Bruyne’s heir at Manchester City | OneFootball

Chelsea and Belgium legend Eden Hazard has shared his thoughts on Rayan Cherki being Kevin De Bruyne’s successor at Manchester City.

Cherki joined Manchester City as their third signing of the previous summer window from Lyon on a five-year contract as the Blues planned for life beyond De Bruyne, who joined Napoli as a free agent ahead of the current season.

De Bruyne parted ways with Manchester City as one of the most decorated players in the club’s history following an iconic decade-long tenure during which he won 19 trophies – including six Premier League titles and City’s maiden UEFA Champions League title.

Having assumed the role of architect-in-chief at the Etihad Stadium, Cherki was instrumental in Manchester City’s 3-0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week, registering two assists while maintaining a pass accuracy of 90% in a performance that received huge plaudits from the wider football community.

How has Cherki’s maiden season at Man City been so far?

Cherki’s journey at Manchester City saw a great start, with the 22-year-old netting his first goal for the club in a 6-0 FIFA Club World Cup group-stage victory over Al Ain in June 2025.

Following Jack Grealish‘s departure on loan to Everton in August 2025, Cherki received the number 10 jersey at Manchester City, previously donned by Sergio Aguero.

Cherki found the back of the net on his Premier League debut for City after coming on as a substitute for Erling Haaland in a 4-0 away victory over Wolves in their season opener.

The French star has started in 25 out of the 43 appearances he has made across competitions for the English club so far, scoring nine goals and providing 13 assists.

Cherki is ‘completely different’ to De Bruyne, says Hazard

In conversation with CANAL+ Foot, Hazard heaped praise on Cherki’s abilities but acknowledged the differences between the Frenchman and De Bruyne on the pitch.

The Chelsea icon has shared the pitch with De Bruyne as national teammates for Belgium, having seven joint goal participations.

“Rayan Cherki’s completely different than Kevin De Bruyne,” Hazard said, as quoted by Man City French Branch. “He’s more into dribbles, even though he can deliver wonderful passes. He’s more about individual brilliance and skills.”

“Kevin (De Bruyne) is a genuine playmaker, who can play deeper and sees the game,” the two-time Premier League winner added.

Hazard believes there won’t be another Kevin De Bruyne

Hazard went on to hail De Bruyne and his legacy, suggesting that Cherki has to ‘play in his own style’ and prove himself further with every game.

“They (De Bruyne and Cherki) are different,” the former forward added. “Will he (Cherki) be his (De Bruyne’s) successor? There won’t be another Kevin De Bruyne. He has to play in his own style and delight us every weekend.

“One of Cherki’s strengths is he dribbles with his head up, sees the whole game. He’s a player who plays instinctively, doesn’t overthink, just passes – that’s why he reached this level.”

What’s next for Cherki and Man City?

While comparisons with De Bruyne have surfaced, there is still a long way for Cherki to match the Belgian maestro’s levels.

City currently rank second in the Premier League with 64 points in 31 games, six points behind between table toppers Arsenal, who have played an extra game and are set to visit the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

After securing the Carabao Cup title by defeating Arsenal in the final in March, City are now looking to claim the domestic treble as they chase down the Gunners in the Premier League and await an FA Cup semi-final showdown with Southampton.

With three goal contributions in his last five appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, it remains to be seen how the remainder of the campaign fares for Cherki in his debut season in England’s north-west.