Former Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has expressed his admiration for young Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, going as far as to suggest the talented Frenchman has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.
Sagna, who spent three seasons at the Etihad Stadium, lauded Cherki's exceptional flair, creativity, and entertaining style of play. He specifically drew parallels between the 20-year-old's captivating performances and the vibrant, unpredictable nature of Brazilian street footballers, describing him as a true 'showman' on the pitch.
"I saw him play and he is a special player," Sagna told Ladbrokes. "He is so good and has that something different. He is a bit like the Brazilian players, with the showman qualities."
The ex-City right-back emphasized Cherki's natural talent and his remarkable ability to unlock even the most stubborn of defenses. Sagna pointed out that such raw, instinctive skill is a rarity among today's academy graduates, who often possess a more structured and less flamboyant approach.
He further elaborated on Cherki's unique playing style, noting its strong resemblance to the iconic dribbling and exquisite touch characteristic of Brazilian footballing legends. This distinctive approach, Sagna believes, not only makes Cherki a joy to watch but also positions him as a strong contender for football's most prestigious individual accolade in the years to come.
Beyond his praise for Cherki, Sagna also offered his thoughts on the managerial future at Manchester City. He tentatively suggested that former City captain Vincent Kompany could be a potential long-term successor to the current highly successful manager, Pep Guardiola.
However, Sagna was quick to acknowledge that such considerations are secondary for the club at present. Manchester City's immediate focus remains firmly fixed on their intense Premier League title race with Arsenal and the upcoming FA Cup final, which represents another significant silverware opportunity for the club.
Cherki's current performances for Lyon, while still developing, have consistently showcased glimpses of his immense potential. His ability to produce moments of magic and his fearless approach to taking on opponents have already earned him a considerable following among football enthusiasts who appreciate his individual brilliance.
