Liverpool star Ibrahima Konaté has backed Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki for big things in football. He, though, insists it’s up to the player to make it happen.
[Le Parisien cover comments](https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/coupe-du-monde/tas-envie-daller-en-equipe-de-france-toi-lanecdote-dibrahima-konate-sur-la-progression-dhugo-ekitike-15-11-2025-6G7WBR62XNDC7IH7UIYET7PKJE.php) from the Liverpool defender today. He’s been speaking at a press conference for the French national team.
The subject of Cherki was put to him during this. The Manchester City man is also in Didier Deschamps squad after a strong start to the season.
He’s been slowly working his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City this season. The Spanish boss has been rewarded for his faith too, with the 22-year-old sitting on three goals and three assists in nine games in all competitions.
Cherki has been impressive in the last few weeks in particular. He put on a star performance in an 11-minute display against Borussia Dortmund, bagging an assist, after bagging two assists in a 3-1win over Bournemouth.
The midfielder appears to be on the right track at Manchester City under Guardiola’s guidance. Konaté is a fan, despite being at rivals Liverpool, and backed the midfielder for big things in the future if he wants them.
“I have to choose my words carefully on this subject,” he said.
“I don’t see any difference between Cherki at City and with Les Bleus. He’s very flamboyant, old-school, he likes to entertain the people who watch him.
“He’s two-footed. He’s going to take a big step forward in many areas. It depends on him, on his work, on what he delivers. He can achieve great things in the world of football with all his qualities. But it all depends on him.”