Rayan Cherki refuses to hide his emotions, an open book for all to see and hear in times of joy and disappointment. Moments after Manchester City had put down their first heavyweight marker of the post-Pep Guardiola era by brushing aside Crystal Palace, he was asked live on TV how much he enjoyed the game. Rather than providing the usual textbook answer, he instead gave a colourfully uncomplimentary – and unprintable - description of his own first-half performance.
Erling Haaland, standing alongside Cherki as he waited to hand over the player-of-the-match award, could only laugh at the France attacker's sweary honesty. Indeed, the 23-year-old also refuses to hide his talent, making a nonsense of his self-criticism by unveiling a Selhurst Park masterclass with two brilliant second-half goals in the 4-1 victory. Cherki made his impact under Guardiola last season, although there was always a feeling the mercurial signing from Lyon for a bargain £30m could produce more.
He made 33 Premier League appearances - but 14 of those were as a substitute. And there is a sense that he already has something to prove under new boss Enzo Maresca amid City's vast attacking resources, coming off the bench to assist the two late goals that gave them victory against Bournemouth on the opening weekend. Cherki was seen in animated conversation with Maresca after the final whistle, but his reward was a start at Selhurst Park and he delivered the sort of irresistible performance he, as well as City, needed.
Cherki inspires Man City to comfortable win at Palace Cherki genius and Wharton excels - Palace v Man City player ratings He had a disappointing World Cup with France, reduced to a bit-part player, only starting against England in the third-fourth place play-off, being replaced at half-time with his side 4-0 down. There were also videos that emerged with Cherki showing apparent displeasure at coach Didier Deschamps. Cherki has a reputation for unpredictability, with Maresca saying after his contribution against Bournemouth that "if he is not happy he wants to show it".
But, though he has proved hard to please in the past at Leicester City and Chelsea, Maresca was satisfied with Cherki here. "He's happy and I'm happy," said Maresca. "It was not just his performance with the two goals, but his work off the ball.
"He pressed and gave us a complete performance on the ball and off the ball. He loves football and it makes it so much easier to work with him. "The quality he has in this moment helps the team, not just with assists but goals." It was not just Cherki's wizardry with the ball that impressed Maresca, but his work off it.
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