Redknapp: Cherki is a genius

Rayan Cherki played a starring role in Manchester City’s 4-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace with two goals to go with his two assists against Bournemouth. Jamie Redknapp hails the No.10 as a genius and calls for Enzo Maresca to give him freedom…

Jamie Redknapp hailed Rayan Cherki as a genius after he scored twice to inspire Manchester City to a 4-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Erling Haaland started and finished the scoring, but it was Rayan Cherki's two goals early in the second half that took the game away from Palace. His first was magnificent, dancing between the Palace defenders before poking the ball home.

"It was an incredible goal. He felt like the difference because the goals came at such an important time. He had such an amazing effect on the game.

"He is a genius the things that he can do with a football are just incredible."

"There is that balance and poise. When I was watching it, the first thing that comes to my mind is that there are not many Premier League players who can do this.

"In such close proximity, having the ball under such control and then still having such audacity to shift it to his left and just gets it into the corner.

"I think Eden Hazard, possibly, could have done that. He was that type of player, the low centre of gravity and then to somehow smuggle the ball away into the corner.

"[Georgi] Kinkladze, Manchester City fans of another generation will remember him. He could get past people in a telephone box and this is very similar.

"We have been talking about where he fits in because Enzo Maresca does like structure. We were talking to Elliot Anderson who was saying he has to learn to stay in his position.

"But with someone like Cherki you have to accept his freedom - and he is a maverick kind of talent - you have to let him do his thing.

"He said in the first half he was not very good but in the second half he just completely changed the game with a moment of genius."

Speaking even before the game, Redknapp has said: "Managers now want structure, they do not like players who are a bit loose out of possession. But I go to football matches to watch people like [Cherki] play.

"That is what makes me smile. I don't like watching players pass it sideways, that is not why I go to football. I go to watch geniuses do their work.