He can literally do anything’ – Antoine Semenyo reveals how Rayan Cherki has impressed him since joining Man City

The atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium was electric long before kick-off, but by the final whistle it had turned into a celebration of power, precision and pure footballing brilliance. Manchester City delivered a statement performance, dismantling Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final, and while Erling Haaland’s hat-trick grabbed the biggest headlines, another story quietly stole the spotlight. It was the story of Rayan Cherki and the growing admiration of his teammate Antoine Semenyo, who could barely hide his amazement at what he has witnessed since the Frenchman arrived in Manchester.

For Semenyo, this was not just another big win. It was another reminder that he is sharing a pitch with a player he genuinely believes can do anything with a football. After the game, as the noise of celebration echoed around the stadium, the Ghanaian winger spoke openly about the impact Cherki has had, both in matches and in training. His words were simple but powerful. He described Cherki as one of the world’s best and insisted that playing alongside him makes life easier.

That is not a small statement. In a squad filled with world-class talent, calling someone one of the best on the planet carries weight. But Semenyo did not hesitate. For him, the evidence is clear every single day.

The match itself was a masterclass from Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side looked sharp, hungry and completely in control. Liverpool started with energy, but once City found their rhythm, there was no stopping them. Haaland was ruthless in front of goal, finishing with confidence and strength, but behind much of the attacking magic was Cherki’s creativity.

Time and time again, he drifted into pockets of space, demanding the ball, turning sharply and driving forward with fearless intent. His technical ability was on full display. One particular moment stood out. Cherki received the ball in midfield, shaped his body as if he would pass wide, then delivered a perfectly disguised pass that split the Liverpool defence. Semenyo reacted instantly, racing forward before crossing for Haaland to score his second goal. It was a move that combined intelligence, chemistry and pure talent.

For Semenyo, that moment summed up everything. He explained that when Cherki drops deep to collect the ball, he already knows something dangerous is about to happen. There is trust between them. He knows Cherki will try to find him, either with a pass into space behind defenders or a quick ball to his feet. That understanding is developing rapidly, and it is becoming one of City’s most dangerous weapons.

What impressed Semenyo even more was how quickly Cherki adapted after joining from Lyon. Many players need time to settle into Guardiola’s system. It demands discipline, tactical awareness and constant movement. But Cherki seems to have embraced the challenge. He brings flair, yes, but he also works hard off the ball and understands the structure of the team.

Semenyo remembered his first training session with the Frenchman. He admitted he was stunned. Watching Cherki pull off skill after skill, controlling the ball effortlessly, twisting past defenders in tight spaces, he found himself wondering what kind of player he was witnessing. It was not just about tricks. It was about control, balance and imagination.

In training, players see things fans never see. They experience the sharpness of movement up close. They feel the speed of thought. And from those early sessions, Semenyo realised Cherki had something special. A rare technical ceiling. A natural creativity that cannot be taught.

Against Liverpool, that creativity was on full display. The visitors struggled to contain him. Every time he touched the ball, there was a sense of anticipation in the crowd. He glided across the pitch, sometimes drifting wide, sometimes moving centrally, always searching for space. His confidence was clear. He attempted daring passes, quick flicks and unexpected turns.

Of course, that fearless style sometimes carries risk. Late in the game, with City comfortably ahead, Cherki could not resist showing off his repertoire of tricks. A few flicks here, a backheel there. It brought smiles from fans but also raised eyebrows. Guardiola has, in the past, warned players about unnecessary showboating. The manager demands respect for the opponent and discipline until the final whistle.

Then there was the small incident that caused a stir. Cherki swapped shirts with Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike before the match had fully ended and was seen wearing it briefly. The City bench quickly instructed him to remove it. It was a minor moment, but it highlighted Cherki’s free-spirited personality. He plays on instinct. He expresses himself. Sometimes that expression needs guidance, and Guardiola is there to provide it.

But no one could deny his contribution on the day. Liverpool were left chasing shadows. City’s midfield controlled possession, and Cherki added the spark. His link-up with Semenyo was particularly effective down the right side. They rotated positions, confused defenders and created overloads. It was not just individual brilliance. It was partnership.

Semenyo thrives in that environment. He benefits from playing with someone who sees passes others do not. When asked about it, he spoke with genuine appreciation. Having a teammate who can unlock defences with one touch gives him confidence to make runs without hesitation. He knows the ball might come at any moment.

This victory also sent a strong message to the rest of the competition. Manchester City are entering the most important phase of the season with momentum. The FA Cup semi-finals await. The Premier League title race continues. European challenges remain. The idea of a domestic treble is no longer just a dream. It is a real target.

Inside the dressing room, according to Semenyo, the mentality has shifted. Every match is treated like a final. There is no room for complacency. The players understand that one slip can undo months of hard work. That focus was evident against Liverpool. Even after going ahead, City continued to press and attack.

Haaland’s finishing was clinical, but the supply lines were equally impressive. Cherki’s vision complements Haaland’s movement perfectly. The striker thrives on quick service into dangerous areas. Cherki provides exactly that.

It is interesting to see how quickly Cherki has earned the trust of his teammates. Moving to a club like Manchester City can be intimidating. The standards are extremely high. But from the outside, it appears he has embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

Semenyo’s admiration goes beyond one match. He believes Cherki can reach the very top of world football. Calling him one of the world’s best is not just praise for today. It is belief in his potential.

Liverpool, meanwhile, were left searching for answers. They had moments early on but could not maintain control. Once City’s attacking trio found rhythm, the game slipped away from them. Defensively they struggled to track runs. In midfield they were overrun.

For City fans, though, this was a day to celebrate. A dominant performance. A clear path to Wembley. And the emergence of a new creative force who could define the next chapter.

Guardiola will be pleased, not just with the result but with the balance his team showed. Flair mixed with discipline. Creativity supported by structure. Cherki’s personality adds unpredictability, but under Guardiola’s guidance, that unpredictability can become controlled chaos for opponents.

As the season reaches its decisive stage, players like Cherki can make the difference. In tight games, when defences sit deep and space is limited, technical brilliance becomes priceless. Semenyo understands that. That is why he values playing alongside him so highly.

There is still work to be done. Big matches lie ahead, including European challenges and tough domestic fixtures. But confidence is building. The squad believes in its depth and quality.

For Cherki, this is only the beginning of his journey in Manchester. There will be tougher tests. There will be moments of frustration. But if his early performances are anything to judge by, he has the tools to succeed.

Semenyo’s words after the game were not rehearsed. They came naturally. A player impressed by what he sees every day. A teammate grateful for the creativity beside him.

Manchester City are chasing trophies again. With Haaland’s goals and Cherki’s imagination, they have the firepower. If the chemistry continues to grow, opponents across England and Europe will have reason to worry.

On that afternoon at the Etihad, Liverpool felt the full force of it. Four goals. Total control. And a reminder that when talent meets teamwork, the results can be devastating.

As Semenyo said, every game now feels like a final. City are pushing forward with belief. And with a player who can, in his teammate’s words, literally do anything with the ball, the possibilities seem endless.