Maresca hails Man City star Rayan Cherki as “One of Europe’s Best” after stunning start to the season

Enzo Maresca believes Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki 'is one of the best players in Europe'.

Cherki has started the season in terrific form and excelled as Manchester City thrashed AEK Athens in the Champions League in midweek.

The Frenchman scored a fantastic goal against the Greek side at the Etihad, and already has six goals and two assists across all competitions this season.

The 23-year-old appears to be growing in influence on the City side, and Maresca has lauded Cherki's impact.

He believes Cherki is already 'one of the best players in Europe' when he can find space between opposition lines.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester City's trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend, Maresca said: "Rayan in this moment is one of the best players in Europe when he is in the right position.

"When we are able to find him between the lines, he is always dangerous. The goal the other night and at Liverpool are quite similar.

"If we are able to keep him there and find him, he is one of the best players. He loves the ball and to move a lot so a lot of the time he is out of that position.

"In terms of numbers, goals and assists, he's doing fantastic. In the right position, he is so important.

"This is something he needs to keep, he loves the ball and I'm not going to remove from his game. We need to find the right balance.

"I like when the players are happy but I also like the simple things. The most difficult thing is to do the easy things," he said.

"I like it when they don't complicate it but sometimes when players are so good, they need to do that.

"I am happy when he does that because I know he's happy. And he's creating chances so it's even better."