City Star Stuns Pep: ‘I’ve Never Seen Messi Do That’

Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had some special praise for one of his attackers following their 3-0 win over Sunderland.

The Cityzens moved to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal after defeating the Black Cats at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Read: City Close The Gap On Arsenal

France international Rayan Cherki continued to impress from the start and bagged two assists on the night, including a lovely rabona flick to set up Phil Foden’s goal in the second half.

Guardiola waxed lyrical about the French midfielder and claims he never saw Lionel Messi try the rabona flick.

“Rayan is an exceptional player, he is so young, he has a huge personality, he proved it against Fulham in the toughest moments. He had the ball at 5-4 and every time gave us an extra pass, he is not scared and has self-confidence. In the final third he had something special. What I admire the most about Rayan is not the skills.

“I never saw Messi play a cross like he has done. Messi is the best player to play the game but I never saw these kind of crosses. Crosses are fine, right or left or which part of your feet, it doesn’t matter.

Read: Yaya Revives Pep Feud: ‘I Don’t See A Man’

“If it is effective it is fine but I like the simplicity because I learned from Messi that I never make a mistake with the simple things.

“The simple things he does perfectly then he dribbles past four or five players. I want players to do the simple things well and after that you have special talent and he can do whatever he wants but if he doesn’t work now it will be a problem. He will be in trouble.”

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