Antoine Semenyo of Man City labels Rayan Cherki as ‘among the top players globally’

Antoine Semenyo has praised Rayan Cherki as “one of the world’s best” following Manchester City’s FA Cup victory over Liverpool.

Semenyo and Cherki both played pivotal roles as Erling Haaland, who scored a hat trick, led City to a 4-0 triumph at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The duo collaborated on one of Haaland’s goals before Cherki assisted Semenyo, allowing him to score in a commanding performance that secured City’s place in the last four for an unprecedented eighth consecutive season.

“He’s one of the world’s best,” stated City winger Semenyo. “He can truly do anything with the ball, which makes my job easier.

“I know he will drop back and look to find me behind the defense or pass to my feet, so it simplifies things.”

Cherki’s clever pass that set up Semenyo to assist Haaland’s second goal perplexed the Liverpool defense and showcased his creative talent.

However, similar to the Carabao Cup final victory against Arsenal, Cherki indulged in some flicks and tricks once the match was decided—a behavior that has previously elicited a stern reaction from Pep Guardiola.

The manager’s stance this time was uncertain as he was serving a touchline ban and delegated media responsibilities to assistant Pep Lijnders.

There was a reprimand for the French player from the bench after he exchanged shirts with Hugo Ekitike following his late substitution. Cherki donned the shirt before full time and was promptly instructed to remove it.

Such moments contribute to Cherki’s maverick image, but for Semenyo, it is his creativity and skill that are most notable.

“I recall my first day of training,” Semenyo remarked. “Just some of the skills he displayed made me think, ‘What kind of player is he?’

“He’s an exceptional player. Creative with the ball, and we appreciate it.”

– Explained: How 11 English teams can qualify for Europe next season
– Has Erling Haaland found a new level vs. Liverpool? Stats explained
– VAR review: Should Man City have had another penalty in Liverpool thrashing?

City’s win marked a robust return following the international break and underscored their resolve to conclude the season on a high note with a domestic treble in view.

Semenyo stated: “I feel there is a great deal of ambition, so many objectives we aim to achieve this season. There is more to come, and we just have to keep progressing.

“This is the most crucial phase of the season now, so we aim to win as many matches as possible.

“Every game is like a final now, so we must keep pushing and see where it leads.”