Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca gave Rayan Cherki his flowers after the Frenchman's brilliant brace in Friday night's 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
What can be expected from Rayan Cherki at Manchester City this season?
More Videos
Cherki was rewarded with a start at Selhurst Park after coming off the bench to provide two assists in Manchester City's opening day win over Bournemouth.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough debut season at the Etihad Stadium after joining from Lille last summer, scoring 10 goals and providing 15 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions under Pep Guardiola.
Maresca replaced Guardiola as Manchester City manager in June and decided to bench Cherki for the Blues' 2-1 win over Bournemouth, though the playmaker certainly did his talking on the pitch when he did come on.
Marc Guehi and Josko Gvardiol were both set up by Cherki in the closing stages of the win over the Cherries, with Maresca rewarding the France international with a start against Crystal Palace last week.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has explained his decision to not name Rayan Cherki in his starting XI for Sunday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth.cityxtra.co.ukEnzo Maresca Explains Rayan Cherki Bench Decision For Man City Win Over Bournemouth
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has explained his decision to not name Rayan Cherki in his starting XI for Sunday’s 2-1 win over Bournemouth.
Maresca hails Cherki performance in Crystal Palace win
In a press conference after Friday's win in south London, Maresca gave Cherki credit where it was due after the playmaker scored a fantastic brace.
"His performance was very good, not because of the two goals but the way he worked off the ball," the Manchester City boss said.
"He has to press, he was in charge of [Adam] Wharton when Palace had the ball, and I think his game was a complete game - on the ball and off the ball."
City started in a sluggish manner against the Eagles but clicked into gear after Antoine Semenyo, who has been in fine form himself since Maresca took over from Guardiola, set up Erling Haaland for the opener with a delicious cross.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has outlined his vision for Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden in his starting XI.cityxtra.co.ukManchester City manager Enzo Maresca has outlined his vision for Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden in his starting XI.
Enzo Maresca Expresses Phil Foden vs Rayan Cherki Competition Stance at Man City
Maresca added: "We struggled in the first five, 10 minutes because we were pressing in the wrong way. And then we adjusted something, and after I think we were in control. We scored four, we could’ve scored more, and we didn’t concede a lot."
Is Cherki expected to start vs Coventry City this weekend?
Cherki is highly likely to retain his starting XI berth when Manchester City welcome former midfielder Frank Lampard and Coventry City - who have signed City academy star Stephen Mfuni on loan for the 2026/27 season - to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Having forged a strong attacking partnership with the likes of Semenyo and Haaland since the former's arrival to City from Bournemouth in January, Cherki is a very important component of the Blues' attack.
The departure of Kevin De Bruyne from the Etihad Stadium last summer left huge shoes to fill at the heart of City's midfield and so far, Cherki has justified every penny of the £34 million paid to Lyon for his services.
Manchester City ran out 4-1 victors against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night to make it six points from six for Enzo Maresca in the Premier League.
cityxtra.co.uk Five Things Learned: Crystal Palace 1-4 Man City (Premier League) Manchester City ran out 4-1 victors against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Friday night to make it six points from six for Enzo Maresca in the Premier League.
Maresca could also give new signing Ayyoub Bouaddi a full Manchester City debut against the newly-promoted Bantams after the €100 million Moroccan midfielder came on in the second-half against Crystal Palace.
City are expected to sanction a season-long loan for Jack Grealish before Tuesday's transfer deadline amid interest from Everton and Sunderland, with the 30-year-old forward missing last week's trip to the English capital.