Manchester City fans were treated to a masterclass from imminent new signing Rayan Cherki on Thursday night.
France headed to Spain for their Nations League semi-final, a match-up between two of the best teams in the world.
However, things didn’t go to plan for the visitors, who found themselves 4-0 down at one point before trailing 5-1 late on in the game.
Cherki was then handed his debut off the bench and he set about trying to drag France back into the game.
He fired in a superb volley in the 80th minute, before playing a big part in France’s third, which Dani Vivian turned into his own net on 84 minutes.
Cherki then provided a wonderful assist for Randal Kolo Muani to head home deep into stoppage time, which led to a final score of 5-4.
City fans were stunned by what they saw from Cherki as they sent a clear message to former target Florian Wirtz in the aftermath of the game.
Manchester City fans say Rayan Cherki is better than Florian Wirtz
A number of City fans said they didn’t need Wirtz after seeing what Cherki can do, and some even said the France international is better than his German counterpart.
“Rayan Cherki is superior to Florian Wirtz,” one fan wrote on X.
“The best thing that could have happened to us would have been to get out of Florian’s career and sign three other players with that money: Hugo Viana masterclass.”
Another fan said: “Rayan Cherki more G/A in 10 minutes than F wirtz in full 90”
The praise for Cherki kept coming, with one fan writing: “I’m gonna be straight up man… we’re getting a player far better than Wirtz with a far higher ceiling.
“Never doubt Man City. I’m now starting to believe that we actually pulled out due to financials… and this guy.”
Another supporter said: “The thought of Rayan Cherki playing at the Etihad is sensational. Missed out on Wirtz and landing Cherki is a generational move.”
Another fan said: “Hey Wirtz, we’re good bro. CHERKI IS HERE!”
What Rayan Cherki has said about Manchester City move
Better still, Cherki confirmed after the game that he’s set to join Man City after the international break.
“Yes… it’s getting done,” Cherki told Telefoot, as relayed by Fabrizio Romano. “But you already know my answer, everybody knows.
“But there’s still a game to play. Now we have to enjoy and give everything, but after it will be done.”
France are in Nations League third-placed playoff action against Germany on Sunday, 2pm BST kickoff.
