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Manchester City boss the Catalan coach, who has coached legends such as the Argentine maestro, the Spanish genius, and Xavi Hernández, affirmed that the French attacker is one of the most skillful players he has ever witnessed and is confident the youngster will embrace the unselfish mentality at the club.

Return from Injury

The Frenchman, who signed for Manchester City from Lyon in a £30.5m deal in time for the Club World Cup earlier this year, has managed only seven appearances so far. Coming back from a thigh injury, he came on for a five-minute cameo in the win over Everton recently, where he came close to assisting a strike for the Norwegian.

The player is heading for the Villarreal game and could earn his Champions League bow for the club.

Coach’s View

Despite asking for understanding, the manager struggled to put into words Cherki’s abilities, admitting that the biggest doubt is how he fits in within the setup and learns to doing fundamental plays consistently.

“He is one of the biggest talents I have ever seen in my career,” Guardiola said, puffing out his cheeks. “Technically and individually he is excellent. The issue is his integration and his perception of the game, what each moment requires. He featured during the Club World Cup, though he was sidelined. We have to go slowly, yet his ability is undeniable: I have the sense that frequently when possession comes to him, things get better.

“He doesn’t always try to do spectacular moves; sometimes he just needs make basic plays. But he has that something. Like the pass for the striker in the final moments, plus countless other things he is capable of.

“He is someone immune to tension on the ball. He reminds me of a pickup game star. He is grumpy – ‘I want the ball’ – when he doesn’t get it, you know. He’s been here for not long with us; it requires a bit because you must play together.”

Questioned whether the Frenchman would fit into the team ethos, Guardiola responded: “Without a doubt. Such individuals have great feel, very smart. They see everything.”

Praise for Nico

The coach also praised Nico, who appears set to start in the engine room. The Spanish midfielder is present back to his old team, and is likely recognized ahead of the game in Villarreal, but is unavailable with a muscle problem.

Guardiola noted: “I believe that Nico is getting better continuously. We’re really happy with his behavior and he should develop further. He is well-rounded, thoughtful, a lovely guy. His mum and dad have to be immensely pleased about the person and footballer he’s grown into. He needs to stay true, yet while competing alongside top players, you always learn. You realize how your performance elevates, though Nico has to be himself, without a doubt.”

Squad’s Improving Performance

The manager additionally spoke glowingly on the club’s improving displays. “We are scoring many goals, producing a wealth of opportunities, and we are not conceding much. There have been only eight league games and two in European competition, but I feel that each outing tops the one before yet is inferior to the next.

“We analyze frequently how we can improve and how we can read the game improve. I have great belief in the team and I’m aware they are putting in the effort. We are showing excellent condition.”