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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterReplacing Kevin De Bruyne was always going to be top of Pep Guardiolas to-do list over the summer.The Belgian was the creative force behind Manchester Citys dominance over the past decade and few players have vision or passing range that comes close to the now-Napoli man.With that in mind, Guardiola decided to sign not one but two creators last summer, bringing in Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan as well as Rayan Cherki from Lyon: both players have made a good impact during their debut campaigns in English football, with Cherki in particular being praised for his star quality.You may likeIs Rayan Cherki injured this weekend? Manchester City star's fitness and injury latestPep Guardiola reveals conversation with possible Manchester City transfer target after Newcastle clashManchester City in advanced move for French star ahead of rivals: reportHes like Diego Maradona, there are few players on the planet that can do what Cherki can with a football Lebouef has been impressed with the Man City attacker so farGet VIP Manchester City tickets HERE with Seat UniqueManchester City's hospitality provides Level 2 South West Corner seating and access to the exclusive Manager's Corner Lounge and Bar. Guests can enjoy premium food and bar options, complimentary tea and coffee at half-time and full-time, and a matchday programme. Car parking (one per four guests) is also included, adding convenience to this enhanced match experience.Now, Frenchman and former Premier League star Frank Lebouef is heaping praise on the latter, claiming there are few players in world football who can match Cherki for sheer skill.Firstly, I should point out that we should stop the comparisons between De Bruyne and Cherki, Leboeuf, who played in the Premier League for Chelsea, tells FourFourTwo on behalf of BetVictor Online Casino. Theyre not the same footballer. De Bruyne was someone who served other players. Cherki is capable of that but he does it far less.He is, however, capable of many things De Bruyne wasnt. The skill that he possesses is exceptional. Hes like Diego Maradona.There are actually only a few other players on the planet that can do what Cherki can with a football. Sometimes you can barely see the ball.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Lebouef believes Cherki is in the perfect place to take his game to the next level.I am so happy for him, continues the 1998 World Cup winner. Hes a classic street footballer - someone who grew up on a tough housing estate and had to learn to play football in enclosed spaces, without structure, without rules.There are many players like that in France. They dont develop the tactical side so well.But Cherki now has a coach who is a master of tactics and I can already see the improvement under Pep Guardiola. He is starting to understand better how to defend but also how to use his talents better - when to give the ball at the right time and when to hold it.He is like Hatem Ben Arfa in terms of that raw skill but Im hoping he can make more of his talents and Pep could be key to unlocking that.Premier League action returns at the Etihad this weekend in the evening kick-off, as Manchester City host Leeds United.TOPICSManchester CityEd McCambridgeSocial Links NavigationStaff WriterEd is a staff writer at FourFourTwo, working across the magazine and website. A German speaker, hes been working as a football reporter in Berlin since 2015, predominantly covering the Bundesliga and Germany's national team. Favourite FFT features include an exclusive interview with Jude Bellingham following the youngsters move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, a history of the Berlin Derby since the fall of the Wall and a celebration of Kevin Keegans playing career.
