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Etihad chief the Catalan coach, who has coached icons including Messi, the Spanish genius, and the midfield orchestrator, stated that the French attacker is one of the most talented footballers he has ever observed and is sure the winger will adopt the collective mentality at the Premier League side.

Return from Injury

The 22-year-old, who joined the Sky Blues from Lyon for a fee of £30.5 million in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in June, has featured in only seven appearances to date. After recovering from a thigh problem, he came on for a five-minute appearance in the win over Everton last matchday, during which he came close to assisting a strike for the Norwegian.

Now, he has made the trip for the Villarreal game and could have his European bow for the club.

Coach’s View

Despite asking for patience, the boss was at a loss to put into words his talent, admitting that the only concern could be how he fits in to the system and learns to doing basic actions consistently.

“Rayan is one of the greatest stars I’ve witnessed during my time,” stated the manager, showing amazement. “Technically and individually he is top-class. The challenge is how he settles and how he reads each situation, what the match demands. He played during the Club World Cup, however he had time off. We must proceed slowly, yet his ability is undeniable: I believe that frequently when possession reaches him, the situation improves.

“He doesn’t always attempt incredible actions; he ought to keep it straightforward. But he has a special quality. Like the pass for the striker in the final moments, among many actions he is capable of.

“He is a player immune to pressure on the ball. He reminds me of a street footballer. He shows annoyance – ‘give me the ball’ – when he doesn’t get it, clearly. He hasn’t been a brief period with us; he needs a bit as you have to play together.”

Questioned whether the Frenchman will adapt into the team ethos, he replied: “Without a doubt. These kinds of players are so instinctive, highly intelligent. They notice all.”

Praise for Nico

The City manager additionally commended the midfielder, who is expected to play in the heart of the park. Rodri has gone to his former club, and is likely recognized ahead of the game at their stadium, though he misses out with a muscle problem.

Guardiola noted: “I feel that González is improving continuously. We are very pleased with his behavior and he will develop further. He is well-rounded, thoughtful, a wonderful person. His family should be extremely happy with him as a human and athlete he is. He needs to stay true, yet while competing next to world-class talent, you continuously improve. You notice how you can get better, however, González must be Nico, certainly.”

City’s Upward Trend

Guardiola also was effusive about City’s recent performances. “We net many goals, producing a wealth of openings, while also giving up little. It’s only eight league games as well as two in European competition, though I sense that each outing is better than the one before yet is inferior to the next.

“We discuss a lot how we can improve and methods to understand situations better. I possess immense belief in the players and I know they are working hard. We are in excellent condition.”