"Halfway between Cazorla and Messi", "Changed my life" - Fans hail Manchester City star after his showing in EFL Cup win over Brentford

Manchester City fans are full of praise for Rayan Cherki after his impressive performance against Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. The Frenchman scored in the 2-0 win to help his side seal their place in the semifinal of the cup competition.

Pep Guardiola rested a number of his key players for the quarterfinals, but the second-string side managed to get the job done. Cherki scored a stunning goal from outside the box just after the half-hour mark, to give the home side the much-deserved lead.

Savinho made it 2-0 after the hour mark, and the two goals were enough to help them dominate the game and reach the semifinal. Guardiola's side managed to control the game, but it was Cherki's performance that caught everyone's eye. Many fans posted:

Guardiola sent a clear message to Cherki earlier this season, telling the Manchester City star that he needed to keep his feet on the ground, though he was one of the most talented players he has managed. He said:

“Rayan is one of the most talented players I have ever seen in my career. His talent… he is top. The question is how he settles and how he needs to read actions. He started well at the Club World Cup but then had a few weeks off. I have the feeling most of the time when the ball comes to him, the situation is better. But not all the time you have to do exceptional things - just play football. He has something."

“The pass for Erling in the last moments [against Everton], he can do it. He is a player who doesn’t feel pressure. He is like a street player. He wants the ball when he doesn’t have it.But he is here a short time - he needs a little bit of time because in football you learn to play with your mates. But these types of players are intelligent. They see everything.”

Manchester City will face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final in January 2026.

Pep Guardiola heaps praise on Manchester City star after Brentford win

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Rayan Cherki after the win over Brentford, claiming that the goal was the cherry on top of the cake after his performance. He said:

“Close to the 18-yard box of the opponent he is an exceptional player. It was a fantastic goal, a blind guy, a blind woman can realise, it is not necessary to be a journalist or a manager to realise he is a fantastic, fantastic player. I saw it many times with Phil (Foden) this type of goal, with Kevin (De Bruyne) before, so I am happy that it opened the game.”

Manchester City face West Ham United next in the Premier League, before taking on Nottingham Forest.

Edited by Sripad