Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe heaps praise on “spectacular” Rayan Cherki | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki has been on the receiving end of high praise from Kylian Mbappe whilst on international duty this week.

As France prepare for two FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures during the ongoing November international break, the Real Madrid forward took time to discuss some of the country’s emerging stars.

Les Bleus face Ukraine in the French capital before travelling to Azerbaijan, and Mbappe’s remarks have placed particular focus on the rapid rise of Rayan Cherki under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has made an instant impression at the Etihad Stadium following his summer move from Olympique Lyonnais, while his recent run of form has underlined exactly why France head coach Didier Deschamps continues to monitor his development closely.

Cherki has recorded a hugely commendable three assists and two goals in his last four appearances across all competitions, made up of decisive contributions in victories over Swansea City, Bournemouth, and Borussia Dortmund in the Carabao Cup fourth round, Premier League, and UEFA Champions League respectively.

Speaking during a recent media conference, Kylian Mbappe told reporters of the Manchester City attacking midfielder, “[Rayan] Cherki has a chance to come back [into the France line-up] and I hope he’ll be as good as he is at [Manchester] City. For us that would be top.”

Continuing on the subject of the playmaker’s abilities, Mbappe continued, “It’s a special talent. For me, he has a gift that he’s in the process of exploiting. It’s an innate, spectacular talent.

“He has integrated very well into the group and at Manchester City, which is not easy. I hope he continues like this.”

Rayan Cherki’s growing reputation within both Manchester City’s squad and the French national setup highlights his rapid adaptation to Pep Guardiola’s demanding system.

His creativity, flair, and fearlessness on the ball have earned him regular starts in recent weeks, while his versatility across the attacking line continues to make him an invaluable option for the Premier League giants.

Looking ahead, Rayan Cherki’s form could soon make him a regular fixture in the French national team too, with Deschamps seemingly eager to bring more youth and dynamism into the attacking midfield areas ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

For City, Cherki’s emergence adds yet another layer of attacking quality to a side already boasting Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku among others in the forward line, suggesting Pep Guardiola’s long-term rebuild is beginning to take shape.