Bacary Sagna compares Rayan Cherki to Santi Cazorla
Former France star Bacary Sagna explains why Rayan Cherki is more of a Santi Cazorla clone than a Kevin De Bruyne successor.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
Midfielder Rayan Cherki has become a vital part of the Manchester City squad since arriving from Lyon in the summer of 2025. His debut season saw him register 10 goals and 15 assists, contributing to FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs.
While many view him as the heir to Kevin De Bruyne, former City and France defender Bacary Sagna offers a different perspective. Speaking about his compatriot, Sagna noted that Cherki's technical profile is more reminiscent of former Arsenal and Villarreal playmaker Santi Cazorla.
He's a player that can destabilise anything, he can create out of nowhere - he is using right foot, left foot, as Santi Cazorla used to do. Bacary Sagna
Sagna emphasized that to reach the elite level, Cherki must maintain consistent intensity and drive. Addressing whether the 23-year-old should be an automatic starter, Sagna argued against guaranteed playing time, suggesting that time on the bench has actually served to motivate the Frenchman.
According to Sagna, Cherki's recent performance against Crystal Palace, where he scored twice, proved that being challenged for a spot pushes him to avoid a "comfort zone." The expert believes that constant competition is essential for a player of his talent to reach his full potential.
Now working under Enzo Maresca, Cherki continues to prove his worth, with the upcoming fixtures against Coventry being another opportunity to demonstrate the consistency required to be considered a true great.